KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Fans of the king of fruits would know that durian hunting can be somewhat daunting, especially when one craves for the flavourful tropical fruit during off-peak season.

However, Matic F&B Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Roger Ly has set up a tropical fruit truck in the city centre that offers a wide range of local fruits all year-round.

Ly said the fruit stall would not only be opened to Malaysians but would also target tourists, as the truck is stationed at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang.

“Usually, when tourists wish to discover a taste of our tropical fruits, especially durian, it would be difficult for them as many of these fruit stalls would be located in isolated areas and not mainly known to tourists,” he said when met at his fruit truck on Sunday.

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“We aim to promote local fruist by being located in an area where tourists frequent.”

The fruit truck opens daily from 10am to 10pm and offers different types of durian, such as the Musang King, D24 and Red Prawn.

Ly said he had initially planned to open a stall in the Bukit Bintang area but found the location unsuitable.

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After brainstorming the idea and submitting his proposal and application to the Tourism and Culture Ministry in January, Ly got the greenlight last month to use the space on the Matic parking lot to run the fruit stall.

Ly said 50 to 60 tourist buses would visit the tourism centre daily. 

“The ministry was happy with the idea that we wanted to promote our local fruits as many tourists want to experience local fruits but don’t know where to go,” he said.

“We are proud to be able to play our part to promote the durian and the queen of fruits, mangosteen.”

Among visitors who love to experience tropical fruits are those from China, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.

Ly and his two partners  plan to expand their business across the country, targeting tourists spots in other states.

On Sunday, Ly’s opened his fruit stall to the Tourism and Culture Ministry, and entertained some distinguished guests including the deputy minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, National Culture and Arts Department director-general Tan Sri Norliza Rofli and Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Siew Ka Wei.