Developed in collaboration with Malaysia’s MIMOS Sdn Bhd, the system will feature tags designed to monitor and ensure the integrity of Penang’s durians, as reported by Malay Mail.
Penang’s Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman, Fahmi Zainol, announced that the technology would be introduced on June 1, marking the start of the durian season, according to New Straits Times.
“These collaborations are vital to making Penang’s durian industry more sustainable and competitive, both locally and on the global stage,” Fahmi said.
The track-and-trace system will provide end-to-end visibility, from the farms to the retailers. It will monitor every stage of the durian production process, starting with the issuance of barcodes and certificates for each orchard. These certifications will be recognised by both state and federal authorities.
Fahmi also addressed concerns that some sellers had been misrepresenting imported durians from Thailand as local Penang produce, harming local businesses. This prompted the state government to introduce the new system.
“There have been many cases where durians from other states are falsely claimed to be from Balik Pulau, Penang, which sidelines our local growers,” he explained. “Some vendors even sell Thai durians by the roadside and market them as Penang durians when they’re not.”
He expressed hope that the tracking technology would curb fraudulent practices by improving product traceability, enhancing regulatory compliance, and restoring consumer confidence in the Penang durian brand. He also emphasized that the initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the industry and safeguard the livelihoods of local growers.
Penang will be the first state in Malaysia to adopt this verification technology, which is already in use in Thailand.
Fahmi highlighted the growing demand for Malaysian durians, especially those from Penang, which are highly regarded for their quality and backed by the myGAP certification, recognised by countries like China.
Penang, especially its town of Balik Pulau, is home to numerous durian orchards producing some of the finest varieties, including Black Thorn, Musang King, and Ang Heh (Red Prawn).
Last year, Penang exported 67,203 kilograms of durians, with Musang King and Black Thorn among the most sought-after varieties, according to The Star.
