KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) expects the export of fresh durian to China to commence in the third quarter of this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
This follows the signing of the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from Malaysia to China on June 19.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the approval process from the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) takes two or three months. MAFS, via the Agriculture Department, is finalising the Phytosanitary Certificate with the GACC.
“Only orchards and durian-packing facilities that apply and are registered with the Agriculture Department, comply with myGAP standards, and receive approval from GACC by meeting the conditions set out in the Protocol, will be allowed to export fresh durian fruit to China,” he said.
He said this in response to a question from Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) about the ministry’s efforts to expedite the process of exporting fresh durian to China and when exports can commence.
In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian), who asked about the government’s efforts within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to explore markets beyond China, Mohamad said Malaysia chose China as a export destination for durian due to the country’s significant consumer base.
He said people from Arab countries have not yet developed a taste for durian and find the smell almost intolerable, with similar sentiments across Europe.
He added that China has a large and affluent population that consumes durian in substantial quantities. While there are potential markets in other countries, they do not compare to the scale and demand for durian in China.
— Bernama
