MADTEC STRENGTHENS DURIAN EXPORT ECOSYSTEM – MOHAMAD SABU

SEPANG, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continues to strengthen the country’s tropical fruit export ecosystem through the opening of the Malaysia Durian (Tropical Fruit) Trade and Export Centre (MADTEC), says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said MADTEC, developed by Tropika Makmur Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd, was an inclusive platform that opened export access to all, especially small farmers.

“With internationally certified processing facilities, farmers can now make use of complete processing infrastructure without having to bear high costs to build their own factories. Their produce can be processed according to export standards more efficiently and systematically.

“I hope MADTEC can send a clear message that the success of Malaysia’s durian industry must be enjoyed fairly by all players, big or small, in line with the spirit of Malaysia MADANI,” he said when officiating the opening of MADTEC here, today.

Mohamad called on all companies to optimise the potential of MADTEC as a one-stop export centre by ensuring that all aspects, from treatment to packaging, complied with international standards and maintained the premium quality of Malaysian fruits.

He said Malaysia’s durian industry had recorded exceptional growth, registering an export value of RM1.2 billion with nearly 44,000 tonnes in 2024.

“Malaysian durians are synonymous with premium quality, distinctive aroma and superior varieties such as Musang King or Raja Kunyit, Black Thorn or Duri Hitam, and D24.

“Global demand also increases each year, with China being the largest importer,” he said.

In a separate media conference, Mohamad said the durian industry had now gained traction in foreign countries such as China, Japan and South Korea.

“We hope durian growers can increase production and maintain quality to be accepted as export goods,” he said.

The strategic location of MADTEC near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), along with comprehensive logistics infrastructure, makes this facility an important processing and export hub to strengthen the country’s durian value chain.

Also present at today’s event were Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Agriculture director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi and Tropika Makmur director Datuk Suffian Awang.

-- BERNAMA