PETALING JAYA: The Durian Manufacturers Association (DMA) is committed to elevating the nation's durian industry to new heights.
Celebrating its first anniversary, DMA has renewed its commitment to bringing global recognition to the diversity of Malaysian durian.
DMA president Eric Chan said the association now has members consisting of durian farmers and durian product manufacturers, with a 75 per cent local market dominance.
"DMA would like to make Malaysian durian a global icon and has set five main focuses to achieve this in the future.
"They include empowering durian farmers with knowledge, resources, and sustainable practices, ensuring high-quality products and fostering industry excellence, fighting for durian cultivation practices that preserve the environment and fighting for global recognition," said Chan.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the durian industry is seen as a driving force in various sectors and industries that contribute significantly to the economy.
"The air cargo route cooperation between Malaysia and China will revolutionise the durian export method by ensuring the delivery of fresh and quality fruits to Malaysia's largest market.
"The government and industry players have a collective responsibility to drive growth, promote sustainability and bring the country's durian image to the highest level in the world."
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Kuala Lumpur-Zhengzhou Durian Exclusive Air Cargo Route was also inked at the DMA event.
With this MoU, the exclusive air cargo route can boost the efficiency of air transport and further strengthen the economic relationship between Malaysia and China.
Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi said in 2022, Malaysia produced 455,458 metric tonnes of durian and the amount is expected to increase to 505,853 metric tonnes by 2025.
"Last year, the global durian market recorded a value of US$24.90 billion (RM118.93 billion) and is expected to more than double to US$49.91 billion (RM238.40 billion) by 2033."
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through the Agriculture Department, will always facilitate durian producers and manufacturers to promote Malaysian durian to the international market, he said.
Also present was the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.