Kuala lumpur: All durian industry players have been urged to continue complying with the requirements and Phytosanitary Protocol for the export of fresh durians to China currently in force, said Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. In a statement today, he called on all industry players not to adopt any approach that falls outside the scope of the protocol or has yet to receive official approval from the relevant authorities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, compliance with the protocol agreed between the Malaysian Government and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) is crucial to ensure continued access to the Chinese market secured through years of negotiations. Datuk Chan emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidence of the Chinese authorities in Malaysia's regulatory system and warned against implementing any new methods that have not been agreed upon or are inconsistent with the existing protocol.
The statement was issued in conjunction with an engagement session with durian industry stakeholders on the proposed pre-cut durian export method to China, which he chaired at Wisma Tani here last Friday. Chan highlighted the significance of the durian industry as one of the country's high-value agri-food subsectors, noting its encouraging growth.
In 2025, Malaysia recorded durian exports worth RM1.10 billion, involving 45,266 metric tonnes to global markets. China remained the largest export destination, accounting for RM868.09 million, or nearly 79 per cent of the country's total durian export value. Chan remarked on the notable achievement of opening market access for fresh durians to China in 2024, a result of extensive negotiations between the two countries, fully adhering to the jointly agreed Phytosanitary Protocol.
Commenting on the proposed pre-cut method, Chan acknowledged that some industry players believe the method has the potential to extend product shelf life, reduce logistics costs, and expand delivery options to the Chinese market. However, he emphasized the need to consider concerns regarding protocol compliance, quality control, food safety, and product traceability.
Chan stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) would continue to adopt an open, fact-based approach in evaluating every proposal put forward by the industry. He assured that KPKM would maintain engagement with all stakeholders to find practical and balanced solutions, prioritizing the long-term interests of the industry, preserving the reputation of Malaysian durians as a premium product, and safeguarding access to the Chinese market.