Musang King durian to get Sirim quality mark by year-end

 

Sirim and agriculture officials are working to implement a quality standard for Musang King durian. (Bernama pic)

IPOH: The standards institute Sirim is developing quality standards for Musang King to ease the export process and to stabilise the price of the fruit.

The standards are being developed with the Perak state agriculture department and Mardi, the agricultural research and development institute.

The accreditation is to be implemented before the end of the year, state Sirim director Mohd Adzhar Ahmad said.

“Every (importing) country requires specifications for certain products; if Musang King durians have certification, there is no need for a lot of documentation,” he said.

“Besides that, this certification can ensure that prices are set by durian grade and will help to ensure that the Musang King will not be sold at unreasonable prices.”

Adzhar made his comments after opening the annual meeting of the Perak Durian Growers Association. Its chairman, Nor Hisham Nayan, said several initiatives were being planned to help durian planters improve the quality of their fruit.

Nor Hisham said biodiversity courses would be organised for members in collaboration with various agencies, as well as to educate new planters.

“We will also appoint a committee in each district to identify members who need assistance. The committee and I will also go out to dispense advice on durian cultivation,” he said. The association has 500 members. - FMT