October 30, 2025 | The Star |
Malaysia’s durian exports have surged globally, with demand expanding beyond Asia to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Between 2020 and 2024, exports to Europe grew 162%, while shipments to North America and the Middle East rose by 5.2% and 8.8%, respectively, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
China remains Malaysia’s top market, with durian exports worth RM1.19 billion in 2023, followed by Hong Kong (RM101 million), Singapore (RM76 million), Indonesia (RM58 million), and the US (RM35.4 million). Overall exports climbed from RM570.8 million in 2020 to RM1.51 billion in 2023, before easing slightly to RM1.18 billion in 2024. Malaysian durians are now shipped to over 40 countries, including Japan, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
The ministry is supporting growth through the Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP) certification, with 1,933 durian farms certified nationwide. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM45 million has been allocated for new planting and replanting projects covering 9,400 hectares. Branding efforts like “Malaysia’s Best” and “Taste of Malaysia” and partnerships with international marketing agents have also boosted visibility, solidifying Malaysia’s reputation as a leading global durian exporter.
