3 days ago
Thousands flock to Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day carnival despite rain
JOHOR BARU: Overcast skies and light rain failed to dampen the spirit of thousands who thronged the Jom Heboh X National Pineapple Day Carnival site here today.
For the first time, National Pineapple Day is being celebrated on a grand scale, with vibrant festivities held in conjunction with the Jom Heboh Carnival (KJH), elevating the status of the tropical fruit as a national pride.
The carnival, organised by Media Prima Berhad (MPB) and brought exclusively by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), kicked off as early as 9am. It runs from yesterday until tomorrow, featuring a wide range of engaging activities, exhibitions and attractive prizes.
A check by NSTP found that the Padang B grounds at Angsana Johor Baru mall were packed with visitors from as early as 9am.
One of the most eye-catching attractions was the "Pineapple Mountain" display by LPNM, built from over 30,000 pineapples stacked in a mountain-like formation next to the agency's main booth.
Visitors eagerly took the opportunity to snap photos at the unique display, which was complemented by landscaped decorations featuring various ornamental bromeliads, a pineapple species known for their colourful and uniquely patterned leaves.
The LPNM pavilion drew a strong crowd with its engaging exhibits showcasing a wide variety of pineapple-based food products, health items and downstream innovations.
LPNM Corporate Communications Unit head Ary Putra Tajuddin said the LPNM booth aimed to highlight the diverse benefits of pineapples, with a strong focus on educating the public, especially younger generations.
"In addition to food-based products, we are also showcasing a variety of non-food pineapple uses.
"For example, we have 'pinapeat', dried pineapple waste that can be turned into animal feed pellets for cattle, goats, chickens, rabbits and fish. It can also be used to grow mushroom blocks.
"We're also showing examples of silage, which is pineapple waste processed into compost fertiliser. This kind of information is not widely known, and our exhibition serves to educate and inspire innovation among the public," he said.
LPNM is also distributing free publications, including Hana dan Dunia Nanas, a children's storybook, and a pineapple recipe book tailored for women and cooking enthusiasts.
Public servant Mohd Faizal Junaidi, 38, from Kluang, said he and his family have never missed the Johor Baru edition of the Jom Heboh Carnival.
He, his wife and their four children have long been fans of KJH, and were especially excited this year as the carnival coincides with National Pineapple Day for the first time.
"My wife was thrilled by the beautiful pineapple plant arrangements, as she enjoys gardening. We're also looking forward to the pineapple and pineapple tart giveaway this evening, which is set to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.
"Besides spending our weekend together as a family, we're also here to check out the interesting booths and sample the variety of food on offer before heading home tonight," he said.
