Initially dubbed the "Golden Valley"
Developed from 2002
Supposedly the largest starfruit farm in the world
Still being promoted on government agency websites despite it apparently shutting its gates in 2008!
PETALING JAYA: The mega 809ha Selangor Fruits Valley initiative, which promised to be the largest starfruit farm in the world, has become a huge disgrace instead.
Yet, the "Fruit Basket for the World", as how it was initially celebrated, is still being actively promoted over the Internet to tourists.
Another shocker: despite it being reported in 2005 that the valley in Batang Berjuntai was striving to make Selangor the biggest starfruit exporter in the world by that year end, it was learnt the park had apparently shut its doors to the public in 2008.
Despite denials by the Selangor government, The Malay Mail can reveal the land now is almost barren of fruit trees, apart from a plot overgrown with tall coarse weeds.
During our visit there recently, we could only make out coconut trees from the tangled mess of vegetation at the said plot.
As for the Hollywood-lookalike Selangor Fruits Valley signage, which sits on top of the hill overlooking the valley, it looked as if it could collapse any moment.
Besides that one plot, the rest of the valley looked desolated, with slopes cut as in the manner of oil palm plantations.
We further observed that the tropical showcase located along the road leading to Batang Berjuntai via Rawang, was nowhere near the "Golden Valley" it was once dubbed as.
Our team tried to enter the valley via one entrance, but was stopped by one of the security guards stationed there. The guard claimed we first needed permission from the administration office located near the main entrance.
The boom gate into the site was padlocked and a sign stating "Trespassers will be prosecuted" is featured prominently next to the guard house.
When we asked what had happened to all the fruit trees, the security guard answered: "Dah mati (it all died)."
"How do you expect them to grow when only 20 workers are employed to work 2,000 acres of land?" said the guard who declined to be identified.
Seedlings to be sold off
The Malay Mail team then headed to the main entrance but a boom gate blocked our way. The lone security guard on duty there too said visitors were not allowed.
When asked if the administration personnel were working, he said office hours were from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
This security guard also said there were no more fruit trees in the valley.
When asked why oil palm seedlings were being planted instead of fruit trees, he said the seedlings were to be sold to other plantations.
The Selangor Fruits Valley was an initiative undertaken by the previous State government under former menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.
The valley is managed by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) through its subsidiary, Selangor Oil Palm Industries Corporation Sdn Bhd (SOPIC). Faded signboards at the site stated this as well.The Paper That Cares tried contacting the management for clarification but was unsuccessful.
This issue was raised by a concerned reader who had posted a comment on The Malay Mail website, following our July 11 expose of the failed Taman Dusun Bandar in Kuala Lumpur, a RM17 million "fruitless" project undertaken by the government.
'You went to the wrong park'
Committee chairman brushes aside claims of Selangor Fruits Valley's sorry condition
THE wrong park.
That was what Selangor Agriculture Modernisation, Natural Resources and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Yaakob Sapari told The Malay Mail when asked about the status of the Selangor Fruits Valley in Batang Berjuntai, Rawang.
In a telephone conversation, Yaakob rebutted claims the 809ha valley was barren, except for one plot of mixed vegetation.
"What do you mean there were no trees? What trees do you expect to see?" Yaakob asked when told there were no fruit trees sighted apart from some coconut trees on the said plot.
"You went to the wrong park. Go back there and find the real Selangor Fruits Valley. Take pictures and you will see."
Yaakob was asked to comment on the condition of the valley, which is publicised as a must-see destination in the state on the Tourism Malaysia and also Selayang Municipal Council websites.
Its general manager Ali Ahmad declined to comment despite us emailing him a synopsis of the story on the valley.
He had told his secretary he would not comment until he had read the story.
When contacted again, the secretary said Ali had instructed either his deputy general manager or plantation manager respond to our queries today.
Meanwhile, a council spokesman said they were aware the park had been closed to the public as early as 2008.
When asked why the council's website is still promoting the park, he said it was an error that would be rectified soon.
Misleading publicity
DESPITE it being allegedly closed to the public since 2008, the Selangor Fruits Valley in Batang Berjuntai near Rawang is still being promoted as a must-see tourist destination in Selangor on the Tourism Malaysia website.
Details provided on the page include background information on the park and what it supposedly cultivates, how to get there, who to contact and other nearby attractions.
The Tourism Malaysia website also showcases 13 photographs of the fruits valley, including landscape shots, and highlights activities tourists can enjoy during their visit there such as tram rides and tours of various orchards.
The photos were taken in July 2008.
On the Selayang Municipal Council website under its "Places of Interest" tab, Selangor Fruits Valley is also featured.
The website describes the fruits valley as "one of the biggest fruit orchards Misleading publicity in Selangor" and has "an expectation of 100,000 visitors each year".
It states visitors can take part in activities such as Pesta Durian, Ole-ole Carambola, agricultural seminars and Family Day.
Besides the website claiming more than 20 types of fruits planted there, including mangosteen, rambutan, guava and pineapple, it also states the Selangor Fruits Valley is famous for being the world's biggest starfruit exporter and a highquality starfruit producer for more than three decades.
The page also showcases a gallery of eight photographs comprising the valley's various attractions and facilities.
There are no comments yet