Raub MP Chow Yu Hui has urged the government to consider establishing the Malaysia Durian Board to create a more transparent and fair durian industry ecosystem in the country.
He said the board would play a key role in setting uniform grading standards, improving market price transparency, and protecting the interests of small durian farmers.
“Malaysia’s durian industry has grown into a high-value sector with international reach, yet smallholders often do not reap the benefits of its success,” he explained.
“Farmers are frequently at a disadvantage in the value chain. Farmgate prices are dictated by major wholesalers, not the growers themselves. In many cases, Musang King Grade A durians are downgraded to Grade B, and Grade B to Grade C—not because of quality, but due to an imbalanced bargaining power. Prices drop, and farmers have no mechanism to challenge these assessments.”
Chow added that the core issue is not the farmers’ ability, but rather an unfair market structure. He made these remarks while debating the Royal Address Motion in Parliament today.
He further said that the proposed Malaysia Durian Board could strengthen farmers’ positions through cooperatives, expand market access, and provide a complaint mechanism for growers.
“The board could also help address land-use rights issues in collaboration with state governments and relevant agencies. This ensures that farmers working the land are not left uncertain about their future. We cannot let farmers continue to work on land without knowing what lies ahead,” he said.
