28-6-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a move to safeguard its iconic agricultural product, Malaysia is planning to apply for a patent for its premium musang king durians, ensuring recognition of the bittersweet and creamy delicacy as a uniquely Malaysian offering.
The decision comes amid the fruit’s soaring international popularity, particularly in China, where the demand for Malaysia’s durians is skyrocketing. According to the New Straits Times, Malaysia exported RM1.14 billion (S$327 million) worth of durians in 2022, with China being the primary export market.
Mohamad Sabu, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, announced the patent plans at a press conference on Thursday (June 27), highlighting that the Agriculture Department and its international trade unit will be initiating the process.
The New Straits Times cited examples of other products with patents on an international level, such as Kobe beef. Under the Geographical Indication protection system, which took effect in 2015, the meat has been registered as a regional brand product of Japan. Products with such patents enjoy protections associated with their place of origin and must meet specific criteria to qualify for the designation.
To be recognized as Kobe beef, for instance, the meat must come from Tajima cattle born in the Hyōgo Prefecture and have a certain level of marbling ratio.
The move to patent the Mao Shan Wang durians is a strategic step for Malaysia to safeguard the identity and reputation of its premium agricultural product on the global stage.
On June 19, Malaysia and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate the export of fresh durians to the latter country by October. Previously, Malaysia exported frozen durian, durian pulp, and durian paste to China, with the export value reaching RM887 billion (S$255.46 billion) in 2022.
The recent MOU caters to China’s growing demand for fresh durians from Malaysia and is expected to create job opportunities for more than 63,000 durian entrepreneurs in the nation.
