KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to establish overland transit routes for fresh durian exports to China, in a move that could reduce shipping costs and improve access to the lucrative market.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said transporting durians by land could take three to four days, offering a potential alternative to expensive air freight.
"Durian is a favourite among Chinese consumers, but they sometimes find it difficult to get the fruit at a more affordable price," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 20).
Mohamad said the ministry was working with the Foreign Ministry and Transport Ministry to facilitate negotiations with the four countries.
He said discussions to secure transit arrangements had been pursued since July 20, although negotiations involving several countries could be challenging as they also export durians to China.
Malaysia was also exploring sea freight as another export option, but the longer transit time made it less suitable for consumers seeking fresh durians.
"Chinese consumers want fresh durians. That is why we are discussing air and rail transport intensively," he said.
The proposed routes are intended to provide Malaysian exporters with more efficient ways to reach China while helping to improve the competitiveness of the country's premium durian exports.
Mohamad said the negotiations were ongoing, with the government seeking to expedite arrangements to allow Malaysian durians to reach Chinese consumers more efficiently.
