Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad auctioning Musang King durians at RM5 each at the programme.

SELAMA, 20 July 2025 – The Perak State Government is focused on expanding the market for premium durian kampung to penetrate the international markets as a high-value product, thus strengthening the state's position as a key player in the global durian industry.

Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said this effort aligns with the great potential of Perak’s durians, which have become one of the high-impact commodities in the state's and country's development plans.

“Perak is the largest producer of durian kampung in Malaysia, with a production of 59,217.3 metric tonnes valued at RM462.28 million in 2024. The unique taste and quality of Perak’s durian kampung make it a product with potential for export as premium,” he said at the Perak State Durian Fest 2025 Closing Ceremony at Dataran Selama.

He said that Perak is the largest producer of durian kampung in Malaysia, focusing on areas such as Batu Kurau, Kuala Kangsar and Mualim.

"The Malaysian durian export trend is now showing significant increases, particularly to the China market, with a value reaching RM1.14 billion in 2022, while the first export of fresh durian began in August 2024, involving 413.61 metric tonnes worth RM24.84 million," he said.

"This growth is expected to continue rising, reaching RM1.8 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in logistics, frozen supply chain technology, downstream product innovation and compliance with export standards. We do not want to be left behind, Perak must seize this opportunity," he stated.

According to him, Perak's capabilities in exporting durians are increasingly evident through the participation of local companies active in the international market, including Topone Solution Sdn Bhd, which exported 30 containers of durians worth RM20 million in 2024, including 100 metric tonnes of durian paste valued at RM5.25 million.

The State Government is also focussing on branding strategies, quality certification, digital marketing and product innovation, such as durian chocolate, durian coffee, durian cake and instant sambal tempoyak, which are now starting to penetrate overseas markets.

"In facing fierce competition from major exporting countries like Thailand and Vietnam, Perak needs to strengthen its value chain from quality production and modern farm management to processing and international promotion," he added.

The Durian Fest 2025 which concluded today, involved more than 25 local entrepreneurs, attracted over 20,000 visitors and targeted sales of RM400,000, besides serving as a platform to strengthen the networks of the Agro-Based Industry (IAT), cooperatives and young entrepreneurs.

Dato’ Seri Saarani also saw Selama as a potential agro-tourism destination via the concept of duriotourism, which combines durian orchards, traditional villages and local culture, thereby boosting the rural economy and increasing the income of local residents.

Under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, the State Government is committed to making the agro-food sector a core pillar in ensuring food security, strengthening the rural economy and enhancing the state's competitiveness in high-value industries such as durians.

Also present were State Financial Officer Dato’ Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, State Rural Development, Plantations, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee Chairman Dato’ Mohd Zolkafly Harun, State Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee Chairman Teh Kok Lim, FAMA Management Services Deputy Director-General Rosilawati Abu Hassan, Larut Matang and Selama District Officer Mohd Nasrul Menhat, and Perak FAMA Director Azlena Zainal Abidin.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.