LARUT: Perak emerged as one of the leading durian-producing states in Malaysia, with a production volume of 59,217.3 tonnes worth RM462.28mil in 2024.

Sgtate Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said this contributed to the country’s agri-food economy and proved Perak’s capability in the durian export market.

Saarani said Perak durians were exported to over 41 countries between 2017 and 2023, with 73% of the export value concentrated in China.

“In 2022, Malaysia’s durian export value reached RM1.14bil, including RM887mil to China, yet demand for varieties such as the Musang King, Black Thorn, D24, IOI and premium durian kampung from Perak continues to rise.

“In addition, Topone Solution Sdn Bhd successfully exported 30 containers of durians worth RM20mil in 2024, including five containers of durian kampung worth RM1mil, as well as 100 tonnes of durian kampung paste worth RM5.25mil,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 Perak state-level Durian Fest at Dataran Selama, near here on Sunday (July 20).

He said Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China on Aug 24, 2024, involving 413.61 tonnes (RM24.84mil), following the phytosanitary agreement between the two countries after official approval was obtained in June 2024.

“Since then, Malaysian durians have penetrated 16 key provinces in China and received an overwhelming response as a premium exotic product, with the durian kampung from Perak also gaining global recognition.

“Malaysia’s durian export value is expected to reach RM1.8bil by 2030, with an annual growth rate of between 20% and 25%, driven by advancements in logistics, frozen supply chain technology and downstream product innovation,” he said.

He added that the current focus is on widening access to premium durian kampung from Perak through branding strategies, quality certification and digital marketing.

“Durians from Perak are also in demand from Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States and Australia, with the price of durian kampung from Malaysia reaching RM29 per 600g, while the Musang King is sold up to RM400 per 2.5kg.

“There are even local entrepreneurs who are aggressively introducing durian-based products like durian chocolates, durian coffee, durian cakes, instant tempoyak sambal and durian ice-creams that are also being marketed to China,” he said. – Bernama