PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s durian exports to China will reach a significant milestone on Saturday (Aug 24) with the arrival of the first batch of fresh whole fruit in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), will host the launch for the first export of fresh Malaysian durian to China, a market where the fruit has become immensely popular, on the same day.
The event will be attended by Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, Fama Director-General Abdul Rashid Bahri, and the Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
"We have arranged a special send-off event at KL International Airport (KLIA) at 9am, from where the durians will be flown to Shenzhen and Zhengzhou," the ministry said.
The inaugural shipment will consist of 20 tonnes of durians, including popular varieties like Musang King, Black Thorn, D24, and Kim Hong, all transported via charter flight.
Originally scheduled for October, the fresh durian exports were brought forward to the end of August thanks to the concerted efforts of the Malaysian government and various stakeholders.
This milestone in the fruit trade emerges from an agreement signed in June during a state visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Kuala Lumpur.
The deal to export fresh whole durian to China materialised in June after Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of an agreement in Kuala Lumpur, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The country exported fruits totalling RM2bil last year, with durians making up a significant 56% of that value.
The Musang King durian is a well-known brand in China.
The Black Thorn variety has recently been sweetening the pot, gaining popularity with its sweeter profile that caters to varied tastes.
This trend has prompted Malaysian growers to increase their Black Thorn plantations.
Last year's production data shows that Malaysia harvested 455,458 tonnes of durians, with projections aiming for an 11% increase to 505,853 tonnes by 2025.
Musang King contributes to 36% of the production, while the Black Thorn accounts for a mere 1%.
The local favourite, kampung durians, claim 38%, and the D24, 11%.
