Malaysia wants ‘patent’ for its Mao Shan Wang durians

Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is planning to “patent” the popular Mao Shan Wang durian variety, as it becomes wildly popular overseas.

At a press conference on June 27, Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu said the variety – also known as Musang King – “must be recognised as a Malaysian product because it is getting popular, particularly in China”.

He added that Malaysia’s Agriculture Department and its international trade unit “will initiate the move to patent the Musang King”, reported New Straits Times.

The report also cited Kobe beef and sparkling wine produced in the Champagne wine region in France as products that enjoy protection tied to their places of origin.

Malaysia is expected to start exporting fresh durians to China in the next few months, as part of a series of Memorandums of Understanding signed between the two countries on June 19 during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Putrajaya.

Previously, Malaysia could export only durian paste, pulp and frozen whole durians to China.

Mr Mohamad added that, while industry players handle the export of the fruits, his ministry will oversee quality compliance to “ensure that our durians are being shipped fresh”.

Malaysia exported RM1.14 billion (S$327 million) worth of durians in 2022, with China being its primary export market, reported New Straits Times.

Considered a premium variety, Mao Shan Wang durians are prized for their bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.

Other than Malaysia, the fruit is also grown on a small scale in other South-east Asian regions, such as Vietnam.