The Basecamp, 3rd Floor South Wing, Sri Pentas, 3,Persiaran Bandar Utama, 47800 PJ, Selangor If you were to stroll up to a typical gathering of Malaysians and pose this seemingly innocuous question, you might be met with a chorus of guesses ranging from the iconicto the rambutan, mangosteen or perhaps even the longan (along with puzzled faces and the classic, “Uhh, I’m not sure?”) We know, because we actually got around to asking a few of our colleagues and none of their answers actually hit the mark.
We don’t blame them, though, because despite knowing the answer, we’re still in disbelief!But before you dismiss it as fake news or an elaborate prank, let’s explore the rationale behind this unexpected choice., the papaya holds a special place in Malaysia’s heart. It’s not just a random selection; rather, it’s a deliberate nod to the country’s tropical climate and rich biodiversity. The papaya’s ubiquity and versatility in traditional Malay cuisine and medicine further solidify its status as a national symbo