Malaysia: Malaysia is in talks with the Thai government and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to establish a land route for exporting local durians to China, a move expected to reduce logistics costs and expand market access in the country. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that this initiative is part of the government's efforts to support durian growers, particularly amid a current glut following the durian season, which has occurred simultaneously in several states.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Thai Agriculture Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, has met with Mohamad Sabu to discuss facilitating exports to China via land and rail routes. Mohamad indicated that intensive discussions are ongoing with Thailand and GACC. Land transportation is anticipated to be a more cost-effective option compared to the current air freight methods, which are expensive for producers.
Mohamad emphasized that the initiative would open up opportunities to reach smaller cities in China, which represent significant market potential. Each of these cities is estimated to have around two million residents. The simultaneous durian season in Malaysian states such as Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Johor, and Pahang has increased supply, putting downward pressure on farm-gate prices. However, consumers are benefiting from premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn at lower prices.
Regarding Johor's agricultural sector, Mohamad noted that the state remains one of Malaysia's key producers of agricultural goods, including pineapples, fruits, and vegetables. The ministry's pineapple industry development campaign has notably increased production by 100 percent over the past three years, while also attracting more young farmers who are now earning better incomes from the sector.
On the subject of food security, Mohamad highlighted that Malaysia still needs to raise its self-sufficiency levels for several key commodities, including rice, meat, and maize for animal feed. He mentioned that his recent visit to Iran underscored the importance of food security, as the country is able to meet about 85 percent of its food needs domestically, with only 15 percent imported. Malaysia is currently not self-sufficient in rice production and remains dependent on imports for meat supplies. For maize used as animal feed, nearly 100 percent is still imported. Mohamad stated that intensive efforts are underway to ensure that by 2030, at least 30 percent of the country's maize requirements can be produced locally.