Waterfront Fruit Festival extended for two days
An array of local fruits ranging from rambutans, durians and langsat sold at the first annual Fruit Festival held at the Waterfront in the capital that has attracted a strong influx of visitors. Picture: BT file
BY SALLY PIRI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - THE first Fruit Festival held at the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront is extended until Wednesday, two days longer from its initial closing date of February 6.
Speaking to The Brunei Times, Village Head of Kampung Bebuloh Hj MuhdSa'id Tundak, said that the decision was made after the fruit vendors comprising village residents throughout the Sultanate requested for extra days to sell their locally grown fruits as well as to accommodate the growing demand from visitors.
The Fruit Festival, which was launched on February 2, has lured members of the public to visit the BSBWaterfront from 7.30am to 10pm.
"The fruit vendors participating in the festival have requested for the extension of days," said Hj MuhdSa'id, adding that the number of visitors buying various fruits has been very encouraging.
"It is also one of the ways to boost economic activities of the villagers," he said.
He disclosed that the participants were given the opportunity to sell various fruits produced locally without paying any rental fee.
"We hope that the programme will continue in years to come, following the success of this first festival."
Representing vendors from Kampung Manis, Village Head Moksin Hj Kamis, said that five days was not enough for participants to sell off their fruits. He was thankful that the villagers' request for the extension was granted.
He said that the festival has helped villagers boost their income. Citing an example, he added, at his booth alone he could earn $500 a day, last Sunday he earned nearly $600.
He expressed hopes for a similar festival to be conducted again next year as soon as farmers harvest their yield.
Customers looking at local fruits on display at the Fruit Festival held at the waterfront in the capital. Picture: BT file
Asmah Alas from Kampung Bebuloh said that from the first day of the festival she has earned a total of nearly $600 from the fruits she sells, such as Mata Kucing, Rambutan and Kembayau. "From the sales of Mata Kucing I manage to get nearly $500," said Asmah.
She has been selling various fruits since the launching of the programme, noting that more visitors come in the afternoon. On Sunday, she said, the business was slower during noon, but more visitors started to flock to the area from 1pm onwards. The fruits at her booth were sold out before 5pm that day.
She hoped that the Fruit Festival in the capital will be continued in the future.
According to Asmah, before the festival, she usually sells fruits three days a week at the Tutong Market.
Hj Dolhan Hj Kamis of Kampung Masin also said that the festival has helped him increase his income.
The Kampung Masin resident shared that he earned nearly $1,000 daily during the festival. His stall sells various local produce including langsat, tarap and durian, adding that the fruits were produced by villagers of Kampung Masin. He lauded the effort of the organisers in extending the festival two days longer and hoped that similar events will be held again in the future.
This year's festival was hosted by the Mukim Consultative Council of Pengkalan Batu. The event wasorganised in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei-Muara District Office and Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department.
The festival aimed to attract the public to experience the taste of Brunei's local fruits as well as understand its origin from the respective districts.
-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
