PUTRAJAYA: Floria Putrajaya has made an entry in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for hosting the "Highest number of international gardeners and florists in a flower festival".
Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat said 43 participants from 23 countries had taken part in this year's festival, the highest number since it was first organised seven years ago.
During the closing ceremony yesterday MBR founder Datuk Danny Ooi handed a certificate to Aseh to mark the record-breaking feat.
The festival, which has been given royal status this year, had also involved some 1,950 students and lecturers from local universities as well as primary and secondary students from Putrajaya, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur. The students, he said, had mostly taken part in exhibitions, landscaping and floral competitions.
"The participation of the international florists and gardeners had introduced a wealth of knowledge in the field, providing more exposure to their local counterparts," said Aseh.
"I am confident that the festival's revellers would support our effort to place Floria Putrajaya on the world map," he said.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, when opening the Floria Putrajaya on June 16 accorded the event with the royal status.
Until Saturday, the festival had recorded estimated sales of at least RM2.1 million on flowers, handy craft, and food and beverages.
City Hall was crowned champion of the Floria Putrajaya Garden Cup, raking in RM10,000.
City Hall also received the Floria Garden Prime Award.
Some 130 prizes were also handed out throughout the event for competitions in 54 categories, covering gardening, floral decorating, watercolour painting, and photography. By A. Azim Idris