Malaysian farmers are being urged to register their durian varieties locally and internationally to protect their products and strengthen their branding.
The recommendation came from the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia, which recently urged more farmer associations, producers and state authorities to look into geographical indication registration for distinctive durian varieties linked to specific regions, according to The Star.
An opened durian. Photo by Pexels/Jeffry Surianto |
Geographical indication refers to a designation showing a product originates from a particular place, where its quality, reputation or special characteristics are closely connected to that area.
“Geographical indication protection enables genuine producers to enjoy stronger branding and premium market pricing because consumers recognize the authenticity and unique qualities linked to the specific geographical origin,” said Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff, director-general of the corporation, which is a government agency.
To date, four durian varieties – Musang King, Black Thorn, Balik Pulau, and Durian Nyekak – have been registered. The number of Malaysian varieties can go up to 128 items, the corporation’s data shows.
A Malaysian lawmaker recently said that the rare variety Durian Merah, also known as red durian, could become a major agro-tourism attraction and commercial crop if it is properly developed.
Masiung Banah said that Durian Merah has long been a traditional food among the ethnic Sungai community, and the fruit’s red flesh is often sautéed with spices to make a distinctive sambal (a type of chill-based sauce), a dish that remains highly popular in northern Sabah and could potentially appeal to wider Asian markets.
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