Stinking rich: Malaysia eyes land routes to boost durian trade in China

Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to establish overland transit routes for fresh durian exports to China, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

The minister said the move would reduce transport costs and improve access to the lucrative Chinese market.

“Durian is a favourite among Chinese consumers, but they sometimes find it difficult to get the fruit at a more affordable price,” he said during parliament’s question and answer time on Wednesday.

Transporting durians by land could take three to four days, offering a potential alternative to costly air freight, he said.