Save the Serendah International Orchid Park!

Four years ago, everyone was so proud of Malaysia for venturing into the horticultural business of growing the orchids and the tulips on a large scale. Our admiration continued when the Serendah International Orchid Park was opened to tourists from near and far. This park was highly commented by many tourists and it used to be an ideal place for family outings and an exhibition venue for the orchid lovers.
Malaysia has to continue its pursues to attract more tourists to our country to further boost our nation’s economy. We have the expertise and the resources to revive such a park and furthermore, there is a need to multiply our tourists’ destinations rather than to reduce them. The entire area has already been developed into such a beautiful spot from a virgin jungle and to start another one in Shah Alam is not an easy task . Serendah is within reach without much effort.Why discard it at this juncture? Moreover, it can be worked out to ‘ revive ’ the park to generate income rather than to abandon it as an ugly neglected spot. This ugly scene will only reflect the weakness of the country’s management.

Besides, this is a good reminder to all Malaysians not to continue on with this culture of starting something big with no maintenance to see it through and beautiful all the way. There is a need for more strategic planning for any new project by considering all possible factors before starting a new project. Let us make orchid the icon to relate Malaysia to the world !


Appeared in Opinion Page of The Star 3 Oct 2008