Johor, 26 July 2008 – Kembara Mahkota Johor took an eco-centric turn by stopping by the serene and picturesque Kahang Organic Rice Ecofarm (Koref), Kluang. “I’m glad that by his visit, Tunku Ibrahim acknowledges that we are the first and only certified organic rice farm in Malaysia,” said Managing Director Tam Pak Suew. 

With the magnificently green Gunung Berlumut (1,010m making it the highest mountain in the Southern part of Johor) as its backdrop for its paddy fields, the 108 ha area made a tranquil picture. Beautiful pink lilies graced the lake where the hilariously exciting Duck Catching Competition was held on the occasion of the prince’s visit today. The children who chased and caught the ducks in record time had great fun. The ducks, unfortunately, were rather traumatised. Tunku Ibrahim commiserated with the ducks fully as he watched in horror at the gleeful children dragged the ducks by their necks.

One of Kahang Organic Rice Ecofarm’s signature products besides its 100% organic rice grains is the Organic Brown Rice Milk. Refreshingly cool and tasting quite like barley, it is a wholesome and filling fibre-rich drink with no preservatives nor colouring and very little sugar (3%). The prince, visitors from the Kembara Mahkota Johor convoy and neighbouring residents had the opportunity to sample the drink as well as other products of the ecofarm such as dragon fruits.

Some of the Orang Asli residents from a nearby village gave a fish cooking demonstration using bamboo. Tunku Ibrahim was impressed by the many medicinal properties of some of the jungle herbs used by the Orang Asli that were put on display today. 

The Kembara Mahkota Johor team also had the chance to show off their athletic prowess at Dataran Dato’ Ismail Hassan, Kluang and Felda Endau, Mersing.  Tunku Ibrahim had great fun at a game of Rounders while his eldest son, the Raja Muda turned out to be a very skilful football player and could even hit a good hand at Rounders using a polo stick!

Other activities of the third day of Kembara Mahkota Johor include the officiation of the Simpang Penyabong Religious School, Kampung Felda Endau Village Clinic and the Islamic Council Zakat Aid House, cultural dances, cooking demonstrations and the gifting of various aids to the needy.