In Malaysia, Penang is implementing a durian verification system, in collaboration with MIMOS Sdn Bhd, aimed at ensuring authenticity and quality. This initiative, reported by Malay Mail, involves tag-based monitoring during durian cultivation.
Fahmi Zainol, chair of Penang's Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee, indicated the system's launch on June 1, aligning with the durian season's onset, as detailed by New Straits Times. The technology intends to bolster the sustainability and competitiveness of Penang's durian industry.
The established track-and-trace system offers complete visibility from orchard to retailer, issuing barcodes and certificates approved by state and federal authorities. This initiative addresses manipulation concerns where imported durians, especially from Thailand, are misrepresented as local produce. Fahmi noted, "There have been many cases where durians from other states are falsely claimed to be from Balik Pulau, Penang, which sidelines our local growers." Furthermore, he stated, "Some vendors even sell Thai durians by the roadside and market them as Penang durians when they're not."
Penang's deployment of this system seeks to improve product traceability, enhance regulatory compliance, and rebuild consumer trust. This endeavor is also part of broader strategies to sustain local growers' livelihoods. As the first Malaysian state to integrate this technology, which is operational in Thailand, Penang underscores the system's role in fulfilling the growing demand for Malaysian durians, notably recognized for their quality and myGAP certification.
Last year, Penang exported 67,203 kilograms of durians featuring sought-after varieties like Musang King and Black Thor, according to The Star.
Source: VNExpress
