The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) anticipates a 20% to 25% rise in Malaysia's durian exports this year, driven by increased demand from China. Recent restrictions on fresh durian imports from Vietnam and Thailand are expected to enhance Malaysian durian demand further. Cultivation is expanding across more states, enabling year-round production.
Fama Director-General Abdul Rashid Bahri attributes the projection to growing export trends, farm expansion, processing infrastructure, strengthened trade ties, and promotional efforts. In Kelantan, 3,000 hectares are now dedicated to Musang King plantations, showcasing state-level efforts to boost cultivation.
Malaysia Durian Exporters Association President Sam Tan notes that expanding farms in Johor, Penang, Perak, and other states will support nearly continuous production. Despite high demand, Tan cautions against prioritizing profit over quality, urging policies against pre-cutting to maintain market integrity and fruit authenticity. He emphasizes, "Unlike in Thailand and Vietnam, where chemicals and pre-cutting are used, our durians ripen naturally and fall from the tree before being picked up."
Pre-cutting involves harvesting durians before ripening. Thai authorities recently disposed of 64,671 kg of durians rejected by China due to Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) contamination. Vietnam reported an 80% drop in exports to China, with only 3,500 tons shipped due to cadmium and BY2 residue.
Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China last year, shipping RM24.84 million worth between August and December. With an average export price of US$16.72 per kilo, Malaysia's durians fetch higher prices compared to Vietnam and Thailand.
Dr. Tan Sue Sian, managing director of Top Fruits, highlights Malaysia's distinct advantage due to unique cultivation and harvesting practices, emphasizing natural environmental and nutrient-based fruiting.
Source: ANN
