Malaysian stall cultivates shades of Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA'S stall at the Hongkong Flower Show is an imaginative display of a scene taken straight from Kuala Lumpur in all its glorious colour.
Mr Zakariya Musa, assistant director at Malaysia's Hongkong tourist office, said the main aim was to get the right message across.
Although the office would not mind scooping up the first prize for the top stall at the show, it had a bigger target - to entice Hongkong people south for a holiday to the country.
Mr Musa said: ''It is a relatively small-scale thing, but we believe it is important.
''We hope the interest generated will make Hongkong people want to come to Malaysia.'' Shades of blue, yellow, red and white have been strung together to make an open garden floral version of the national flag.
There is also a 12-metre-high plywood and styrofoam replica of the Sultan Abdul Samad building - one of Malaysia's most famous.
The theme is ''Kuala Lumpur Garden City of Lights''.
Around the sloped garden are six Victorian lamps, decorated by garlands of flowers. In front, on a grass verge, the word ''Malaysia'' has been spelt out with the use of gravel stones.
Two colourful banners have been hung from the replica and thousands of orchids around the stall offer an extra effect.
The entire display has been lit up by three spotlights.
In previous years, crates of flowers have been flown in from Malaysia, but this time local varieties have been used.
The famous Sultan Addul Samad landmark stands proudly in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital.
Among many events held there is the annual national day parade.
The High Court and Judicial Department are housed in the magnificent building, which was built between 1894 and 1897.
Its curving arches, domes and a 41-metre clock tower make it one of the city's most popular attractions with photographers.
In Malaysia, two popular flower parades also attract great attention. They are held in June and August.
The first show is in Kuala Lumpur and a similar extravaganza takes place in the scenic Cameron Highlands.
In the final two weeks of September, the Malaysian Festival takes place in Kuala Lumpur.
Mr Musa said: ''We want to tell the general public in Hongkong about these events.
''This is just one way of doing it. We will tell those who are interested in the flowers about our show and parades.
''We want to promote our own flower show. This year we are making it international,'' he said.
''And in our parade there are many floats where everything is made of flowers.
''People can also find out about the Malaysia Festival which is a celebration where you can see everything that is going on in one place.
''There are all sorts of things, including food festivals and craft festivals.''
