Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (second from right) and Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip (third from right) visiting a palm fruit booth during a gathering with local farmers and fishermen at Benut Area Farmers Organisation (PPK) here in Pontian, Johor on Thursday (June 27).
PONTIAN: Malaysia is expected to start exporting fresh durians to China within the next couple of months, says Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
He added that the export of fresh durians to China was part of the 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed with China on Wednesday (June 19).
"Previously, we exported frozen durians to China, but under this historical MOU, Malaysia will be exporting fresh durians due to the demand for the king of fruits from there," he said.
Arthur said this at a press conference after attending a gathering with local farmers and fishermen at the Benut Area Farmers Organisation (PPK) on Thursday (June 27).
When asked how much fresh durians Malaysia would be exporting to China, he said this depended on the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.
"Our fresh durians will undergo tests to meet the biosecurity requirements in China. It is the same here, as Malaysia also performs biosecurity tests on imported food items to ensure they are safe for the environment and health.
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"Once our durians meet the requirements there, we will start exporting fresh durians to China either by September or October," he said, adding that local durian producers must ensure their durians are clean.
Arthur also said that even with Malaysia exporting durians to China, there would be more than enough durians in the market to meet local consumption.
"Normally, demand for durians from overseas is much higher than domestic demand. Last year, Malaysia exported RM2bil worth of fruits, with 56% being durians," he said.
On Wednesday (June 19), Malaysia and China exchanged 14 MOUs, through which both countries will share expertise and best practices, and collaborate in various fields.
The exchange of MOUs was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the latter’s three-day official visit to Malaysia.
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Among the highlights was the Protocol Between the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China and Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, covering phytosanitary (plant health) requirements for exporting fresh durians to China.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu exchanged the MOU with Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing.
This means that Malaysian durian farmers will be able to export fresh durians instead of frozen fruit to China starting this year.
