13/06/2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

SATURDAY | JUNE 13, 2026

6

Unusual role of durian in bilateral ties

National unity event finale in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The “Moments of Unity” concept forms the cornerstone of the National Unity Week 2026 celebration at Likas Stadium here, creating opportunities for Malaysians from diverse backgrounds to connect through shared experiences that strengthen national cohesion. The four-day event, that started on Thursday, is scheduled to be officiated today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was organised by the National Unity Ministry and is among the flagship initiatives under the Unity Expedition programme themed “Together Building a Nation“. Sabah National Unity and Integration Department director Rina Ab Harun said the event carries significant meaning in efforts to foster harmony and reinforce the Malaysian identity within the multicultural society. Speaking to Bernama, she said it is more than a symbolic event, serving as an effective platform to promote social integration at the grassroots level and enable people to better appreciate the values underpinning national unity. “This is reflected through a wide range of activities, including arts festivals, sporting events, forums, cultural programmes and community initiatives that encourage meaningful interaction across communities and generations,” she said. Rina added that such engagements were essential in narrowing social divides, cultivating empathy and strengthening the spirit of goodwill among Malaysians. Building on its nationwide outreach efforts, the programme was held from April to May across five areas, namely the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Central zones and in Sarawak, before culminating in the national-level celebration in Sabah.

She said Sabah is the fourth host of the national-level event after Sarawak in 2023, followed by Johor in 2024 and Penang last year. According to her, a wide range of activities covering sports, culture, arts and exhibitions, including ethnic house exhibitions and village displays were held throughout the four-days. “The event also features the Progressive Neighbourhood Watch Economic Carnival, handicraft sales, FoodUnites sales, Rahmah Sales and Agro Madani Sales, as well as various stage performances and competitions, including creative ethnic dance contests.” Rina urged all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, region or background, to regard unity as a shared responsibility and a heritage that must be preserved with sincerity and awareness. She said unity is not merely a slogan but a way of life that begins with mutual understanding, respect, acceptance and appreciation of one another. “In an increasingly challenging world, Malaysia’s true strength lies in our ability to remain united despite our diversity, whether in times of joy or adversity. “I hope this Unity Week celebration will serve as a catalyst for a new wave of awareness, particularly among the young generation, that love for fellow citizens, tolerance and consensus are the most valuable assets in ensuring a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future for the nation.” She also invited the public, especially those in Sabah, to attend and enliven the celebration, which offers an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and the spirit of togetherness while participating in a variety of family-friendly activities with free admission.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s “king of fruits”, the durian, could serve as a cultural bridge between Malaysia and France, connecting the two countries through gastronomy, heritage and a shared appreciation for local produce, said French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour. He drew a comparison between Malaysian durian and French cheese, saying both are known for their strong smell but more importantly, represent diversity, regional identity and culinary heritage. Speaking at the opening of a conference on Thursday titled “The Durian: An Embodiment of Power - A Cross-Cultural French and Malaysian Perspective”, he said the durian occupies a unique place in Malaysia’s cultural landscape. “It is now time to introduce this unparalleled tropical fruit to French consumers, who are attached to appellations of origin, the notion of terroir and the pursuit of quality products, as well as to the preservation of gastronomic and culinary heritage.” He said France and Malaysia share a similar pride in local produce, craftsmanship and the preservation of gastronomic traditions, adding that these shared values could help strengthen bilateral ties. Abensour said the durian belongs to Malaysia’s collective imagination and national identity, adding that it can in many respects be seen as a metaphor for Malaysia itself. “The multiplicity of its varieties, the terroirs from which it originates, from Pulau Pinang to Johor, via Pahang and the Raub region, the preferences it inspires and the debates it provokes, make it far more than a mere fruit.“ He said such shared values could eventually open the way for Malaysian durian to find its place at France’s annual International Agricultural Show.

o ‘King of Fruits’ and French cheese represent diversity, regional identity and culinary heritage’

Abensour (centre) said the durian belongs to Malaysia’s collective imagination and national identity, adding that it can in many respects be seen as a metaphor for Malaysia itself. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

requirements, Bernama reported. DSR Taiko Berhad chief technology officer Ajmain Kasim said traceability, certification and quality standards were essential to strengthening the durian industry, particularly in verifying the origin and authenticity of Musang King. He said the company’s Musang King Integrated Tracking System enables verified origin tracking from farm to tree, while certifications such as MyGAP (Malaysia Good Agricultural Practices), Jakim’s halal stamp, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and other food safety standards help support Malaysia’s positioning in the global market. The conference also featured discussions on the cultural significance, terroir and identity of durian, as well as its journey from orchard to global markets.

On growing international appeal, he said Musang King, a premium variety produced in Raub, Pahang, has enjoyed strong success in China and has even been nicknamed the “Hermès of durian” by Chinese consumers. He cited international reports showing that China imported a record US$7 billion (RM28.42 billion) worth of durian in 2024, three times more than in 2020, with more than 90% of global durian exports destined for the Chinese market. During the dialogue session at the conference, Air Liquide in Malaysia managing director Bertrand Leroux said innovation could play a key role in transforming agricultural products into premium export goods. He said Air Liquide introduced cryogenic freezing technology for durian, helping preserve taste and quality while enabling the fruit to better meet export market the fruit’s