Terung Asam Drives Tourism Innovation: Miri Creates Unique Culinary Attractions to Draw Visitors

(Miri, 15th) Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture cum Member of Parliament for Miri, Chiew Choon Man stated that promoting local specialty agricultural products through innovation helps enhance the tourism appeal of Miri, and 'Terung Asam' (Sour Eggplant) has the potential to be developed into an experiential tourism product. 

He recently visited RFM Global’s Terung Asam processing plant in Miri to gain firsthand understanding of the production process and personally tasted the related products, deepening his knowledge of the company’s development model and potential. 

He pointed out that the continuous discovery, development, and promotion of Miri’s tourism products are important directions for enhancing the local tourism industry. Sarawak possesses a rich and diverse food culture, and enterprises that innovate with traditional ingredients like Terung Asam, developing a variety of products, are excellent examples of local industry creativity and innovation. 

He said that as an ingredient unique to Borneo, Terung Asam has long been an important part of the diet of locals and indigenous communities. Through innovation, businesses have turned it into products such as fruit jams, ice creams, and even applied it to curry puffs and roast duck, greatly enhancing its market appeal. 

"This kind of innovation not only allows more tourists to taste Sarawak’s unique flavors but also creates a tropical culinary experience in Miri, attracting more visitors seeking fresh and authentic experiences." 

He also pointed out that the related production and processing processes themselves have the potential to be developed into tourism projects, allowing visitors to personally experience how Terung Asam is transformed from a traditional agricultural product into a diversified commodity, thereby deepening their understanding of local food culture and building connections between agriculture, culture, and tourism. 

He stated that he will continue to work with industry players to strengthen cooperation in brand building, market promotion, and liaison with travel agencies, to promote the development of related products as another tourism highlight of Miri. 

At the same time, he also encouraged more enterprises and entrepreneurs to make good use of Sarawak’s local agricultural products, develop innovative foods, further strengthen the local culinary industry, and enhance the overall tourism competitiveness. 

He said that in the future, efforts will continue to promote Sarawak’s unique cultural and culinary experiences at home and abroad, attracting more visitors.