The Musang King durian is exclusively Malaysian and cannot be marketed under the same name by other countries, a Malaysian minister has said.
Mohamed Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said at a Wednesday meeting that the variety is protected under Malaysia’s Geographical Indication (GI) registration, according to The Star.
An opened durian. Photo by Pixabay/najibzamri |
“Musang King belongs to Malaysia. Other countries cannot call their durians Musang King. They may look similar, but we all know the taste is different.”
Sabu said Malaysia is holding ongoing discussions with the General Administration of Customs of China to protect exports of Malaysian Musang King durians.
He added that the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority ensures that Musang King durians are affixed with official labels. “Whenever I visit China, whether on official business or privately, I make it a point to observe the durians there.
“Sometimes they are labeled as Musang King, but the taste is clearly not the same. That is why our authorities will continue engaging the General Administration of Customs of China,” he said.
Sabu also underscored the need to educate consumers in China that only approved Musang King durians carrying the MyBest stamp are genuine Malaysian exports.
“We must defend this brand. Our durian exports to China are high-value and provide an important new income stream for local farmers,” he said.
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