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Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia's Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of durian contenders is emerging
The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute has found that there is a growing appetite for a wider range of flavours among durian enthusiasts. PHOTO: BT FILE Malaysia's Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of durian contenders is emerging PETALING JAYA - In the world of durians, Malaysia's Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of contenders is emerging. From the creamy Black Thorn and Red Prawn to the sweet Hajah Hasmah, the Malaysian government is championing lesser-known premium varieties to capture growing international demand. Other established types like Sultan and Tekka are also seeing interest, offering the fruit at a more accessible price and broadening Malaysia's footprint in the global durian market. Malaysia's Agriculture Department director-general, Dauk Nor Sam Alwi said Musang King and Bukit Merah are the main varieties recommended for export due to their rich, creamy texture and strong flavour but efforts are under way to highlight other premium types such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hajah Hasmah. 'These varieties are being evaluated for future certification and export readiness, based on their potential in terms of taste, texture, shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping,' she told The Star. Datuk Nor Sam said that Chinese nationals, in particular, are willing to pay premium prices for these varieties. As such, she said the department is working towards registering durian varieties grown in Malaysia, conduct agronomic assessments and ensure compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of importing countries. 'This includes pest disinfestation methods such as vapour heat treatment, traceability systems and farm export certification schemes,' she said. These efforts, she said, were in line with the department's goal of diversifying Malaysia's durian varieties in the global market, strengthening the competitiveness of the national durian industry and maximising its export value. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has found that there is a growing appetite for a wider range of flavours among durian enthusiasts. 'Consumers are becoming more adventurous. They are seeking out unique taste profiles. We are also seeing renewed interest in older, established clones such as D24 and Tekka, which are more affordable and offer classic durian characteristics,' it said in a statement. Mardi said regional favourites and specific kampung durians with distinctive traits are gaining popularity, too. On the export front, Mardi said it is focusing on developing new hybrids for domestic and global markets. Its MDUR series (a hybrid durian clone developed by Mardi), in particular, has shown promise. 'One of the main highlights is MDUR 88 (D190), a hybrid of D10 and D24. It is golden yellow, slightly sticky and creamy with a flavour that many compare favourably to Musang King.' In view of its quality, Mardi said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is promoting MDUR 88 for export. 'MDUR 88 has recently been rebranded as 'MARDI Super 88' (MS88),' it said. Mardi is also working on other hybrids, such as MDUR 78 (D188) and MDUR 79 (D189), which offer improved yields and greater resistance to diseases like root borers and stem canker. The institute also highlighted its broader breeding initiatives, noting that its second hybridisation programme, launched in the late 1980s, involved crosses between 10 different varieties. Several promising hybrids from this programme are now in the final stages of assessment and are expected to be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan. Mardi's third set of hybrids is undergoing evaluation and assessment. The institute is optimistic about the potential of these new hybrids. 'While Musang King and Black Thorn continue to set the benchmark in terms of market presence and price, we believe that our own developed hybrids, particularly MDUR 88, have the characteristics and quality to compete in the international market,' it said. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri said that in addition to Musang King, premium varieties including D24, Black Thorn, IOI and D9 have been sent for assessments to ensure they meet phytosanitary and quality compliance for targeted export markets like China. 'Fama is also working to expand market access beyond China and Hong Kong to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the Netherlands,' he said. Mr Rashid said that strategic initiatives include participation in trade fairs, digital marketplace partnerships, in-store promotions and collaborative awareness programmes with the Malaysian embassies. 'To strengthen Malaysia's competitive edge and credibility in premium markets, the ministry is also enhancing the national branding of agricultural produce through Malaysia's Best, a certification that assures quality and safety for both domestic and international standards,' he said. In 2023, Malaysia exported 54,374 tonnes of durians, valued at RM1.51 billion (S$454 billion), with China accounting for more than 45.7 per cent of the total export. Mr Rashid said the volume is expected to increase following China's approval for fresh durian imports. 'Fama will continue to work with industry stakeholders to monitor market trends, optimise logistics, and scale up capacity to meet growing international demand,' he said. Malaysia's durian cultivation area has been steadily expanding in recent years, with data from the Agriculture Department showing an increase from 70,286ha in 2019 to a projected 92,129ha in 2024. Durian production followed suit, rising from 390,635 tonnes in 2020 to a projected 568,852 tonnes this year, despite some fluctuations due to weather and cost challenges. The increase has been driven largely by global demand especially for premium varieties. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia's retail investors to get shares as rewards in bid to boost interest in its stock exchange
A new securities transfer scheme allows brokerage firms to reward retail investors with shares of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia through marketing campaigns. PHOTO: BT FILE Malaysia's retail investors to get shares as rewards in bid to boost interest in its stock exchange SINGAPORE – Malaysia is taking steps to broaden its retail investor market with a new scheme that rewards shareholders with eligible shares of the country's listed firms . Launched on May 22, Shares2U is a securities transfer scheme that allows brokerage firms to reward retail investors with shares of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia through marketing campaigns. These shares can be awarded when investors perform specific actions, such as opening a Central Depository System (CDS) account, depositing funds or executing trades. The CDS functions like Singapore's Central Depository accounts. Any securities that an investor buys or sells will be credited to or debited from his CDS account. Most shares listed on the bourse can be awarded to investors, except those from companies classified under PN17 or GN3 – categories for financially distressed firms at risk of delisting. PN17 applies to firms on Bursa's main market , while GN3 covers those on the Ace Market. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can also be awarded, except for leveraged ETFs, inverse ETFs and non-ringgit-denominated ETFs. Seven firms – AmInvestment Bank, CGS International Securities Malaysia, Hong Leong Investment Bank, Kenanga Investment Bank, Malacca Securities, Maybank Investment Bank and Moomoo Securities Malaysia – will roll out the Shares2U scheme in their upcoming marketing campaigns. Bursa Malaysia chief executive Fad'l Mohamed said Shares2U is an example of how Malaysia's capital market is responding to evolving investor behaviours and preferences. 'Today's investors, particularly younger, digitally native generations, expect more than just access – they want value, personalisation and engaging experiences,' he said. 'Shares2U empowers participating organisations to meet these expectations while fostering broader retail participation.' The rollout comes on the back of a strong year for the Malaysian bourse. A Deloitte report published in February showed that Malaysia saw 55 initial public offerings in 2024, which raised US$1.7 billion (S$2.19 billion). This represented a 100 per cent increase from 2023. Bursa Malaysia also had South-east Asia's top listing in 2024 – consumer company 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings. Its IPO raised US$574 million. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
