Perak Becomes Nation's Leading Durian Producer in 2024
Perak Becomes Nation's Leading Durian Producer in 2024
Perak continues to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia's top durian-producing states, recording a production of 59,217.3 metric tonnes valued at RM462.28 million in 2024.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, said this success not only contributes to the nation's agrifood economy but also proves Perak's capability in the international durian export market.
According to him, Malaysia exported durians produced in Perak to over 41 countries between 2017 and 2023, with 73 percent of the export value concentrated in China.
Global Demand Rising
“In 2022, the value of Malaysia's durian exports reached RM1.14 billion, including RM887 million to China. Demand for premium varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn, D24, IOI, as well as kampung durians from Perak continues to show encouraging growth,” he said.
He also highlighted the success of Topone Solution Sdn Bhd (TSSB), which successfully exported 30 containers of durians worth RM20 million in 2024, including five containers of kampung durians (RM1 million) and 100 metric tonnes of kampung durian paste valued at RM5.25 million.
Saarani said this while officiating the closing ceremony of the Perak State-Level Durian Fest 2025 at Dataran Selama today.
Maiden Export to China Records Major Success
The maiden export of fresh Malaysian durians to China on August 24, 2024, marked a historic moment with the shipment of 413.61 metric tonnes valued at RM24.84 million. This success was achieved following a phytosanitary agreement between Malaysia and China that received official approval in June last year.
“Since then, Malaysian durians have successfully penetrated 16 major provinces in China and received an extraordinary response as a premium exotic product. In fact, Perak's kampung durians are becoming increasingly well-known globally,” he explained.
Bright Future Prospects
The value of Malaysia's durian exports is expected to surge to RM1.8 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of between 20 and 25 percent. This development is driven by advancements in logistics, cold chain technology, and downstream product innovation.
“The focus now is to open wider paths for Perak's premium kampung durians in the international market through strategic branding, quality certification, and digital marketing,” added Saarani.
Broad Market and Innovative Products as Attractions
Perak durians also receive high demand from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States. The price of Malaysian kampung durians reaches RM29 for 600 grams, while Musang King is sold for up to RM400 for 2.5 kilograms (kg).
“Local entrepreneurs are also becoming more aggressive in introducing innovative durian-based products such as durian chocolate, durian coffee, durian cake, instant tempoyak sambal, and durian ice cream, which are also marketed to China,” he said.
With this excellent performance, the Perak durian industry is expected to continue growing, thereby elevating the state's name as one of the world's leading exporters of premium durians.
- BERNAMA
