YB Salbiah Highlights the Attraction of the Rafflesia Flower in Kampung Bongor, Gerik

By Zaki Salleh
Photo YB Salbiah

IPOH: The Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, is known to thrive in the Royal Belum Forest, Gerik, which is not easily accessible.

Only certain individuals are fortunate enough to have the chance to visit and see the Rafflesia, also known as the Pakma flower.

The Rafflesia can reach up to 100 centimeters in diameter and can weigh up to 11 kilograms.

The flower is famous for its foul smell, which resembles rotting flesh.

Another location where the Rafflesia can be found is in Kampung Bongor, more precisely in the Gerik Forest Reserve, which borders Royal Belum.

This was shared by the Perak State Executive Councillor for Women’s Development, Family, Social Welfare, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives, Datuk Salbiah Mohamed.

She, who is also the State Assemblywoman (ADUN) for Temenggor, shared pictures of herself with the Rafflesia flower in Kampung Bongor on her Facebook page.

“Today, I got to return to my hometown and join in a community cooking event for a village feast. The main menu included wajik, umbut bayas, and air lawa.

“But before that, we went tracking to find the Rafflesia flower, which can only be found in Kampung Bongor besides Royal Belum.

“If you want to experience this, come to Kampung Bongor. Then you’ll know if it’s great or not,” said YB Salbiah in her post.

It is understood that the Rafflesia in the Gerik Forest Reserve near Kampung Bongor has been extensively documented by local and international researchers since the early 2000s.

This is undoubtedly a valuable natural treasure and should serve as a tourist attraction to Gerik, especially in Temenggor.