The entire process from aircraft arrival to document formalities and cargo collection could be completed within that timeframe with the proposed KUL-CGO Smart Durian Fast Track’s “inspect-on-arrival and release-upon-compliance” model, according to Malaysia Airports Holdings.
The airport operator is exploring the fast-track initiative with China Henan Aviation Group and Tropika Makmur Manufacturing under a tripartite memorandum of understanding signed on Sept. 4, The Star reported.
|
Worker Hou Yuxin packs durian fruit imported from Malaysia for delivery for a customer at a shop in Beijing, China, Monday, July 13, 2026. Photo by AP |
Malaysia Airports said the initiative would establish a dedicated corridor and platform aimed at optimizing cross-border transport and cold-chain logistics for fresh Malaysian durians.
It aims to facilitate faster, more transparent and better-coordinated shipments of durians and other time-sensitive agricultural products between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, the airport operator noted.
“The Smart Durian Fast Track will explore improvements spanning handling and inspection, free zone access, customs coordination, permit and certification visibility,” it said, as quoted by national news agency Named.
China is the world’s largest market for durian, importing roughly 1.87 million tonnes of fresh fruit worth US$7.49 billion in 2025.
Demand has continued to grow this year, with the country bringing in 1.07 million tonnes of durians in the first six months, a 47% year-on-year increase, according to the South China Morning Post.
Thailand was the biggest supplier during the six-month period, accounting for $3.79 billion or 81% of imports, while Vietnam shipped $846 million for an 18% market share.
Despite being relatively new to the market, Malaysia’s exports more than quadrupled year-on-year to $30.26 million during the period.