KUCHING: The people in Sarawak have been urged to plant more Musang King durian (D197) as there is great demand from both the locals, and international buyers especially from China, Macau, including Hong Kong.
Expert on Musang King durian known as Master David Chen, said that there were not many Musang King growers in Sarawak, because these people were scared that they would not earn much from it.
Hailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Chen graduated from Taiwan Agriculture University.
In 2013, he learned the know-hows of growing Musang King in Pahang and started his seedlings nursery here in Kuching.
“Our State government is looking into exporting high quality Musang King from Sarawak to China, therefore growing Musang King in Sarawak is a good business to venture into,” he said in an interview at his Musang King Nursery, Batu Kawa here yesterday.
Chen saw the potential to grow Musang King in Sarawak which made him wanted to own a Musang King seedling nursery in Kuching.
At the nursery, he imported the seedlings from Pahang and sells it here. Each seedling of 5 inches tall would cost RM50 and would exceed RM400 when it grows bigger and taller.
“The initial cost could be expensive, but once the tree produces the fruits, people can earn at least RM70 to RM150 per kg each by selling the fruit,” he said, adding that it would take four to seven years for the tree to grow.
He then said people were willing to buy Musang King despite it being expensive.
“Musang King taste different from other normal type of durians, and once you eat it, you will want to crave for more,” he said, adding that the flesh was bright yellow and creamy.
Chen also imports Musang King from Raub, Pahang and sells it in Kuching.
When asked on why was Musang King extremely expensive, he explained that the cultivation of the seedling needed extra care, fertilisers and pesticide unlike normal durians.
“On top of that, when we import Musang King, an import fee is charged, that is why it is a bit expensive compared to West Malaysia,” he stressed.
Hoping to see more growers of Musang King, Chen hopes to work with the government and interested growers.
“Those who wish to buy the seedling can always visit the nursery. I also provide aftersales service to buyers on tips of looking after the seedling.”
Chen is moving his nursery to a new location and the opening of the new nursery will be on August 2, 9am at Lot 72 B, Jalan Datuk Stephen Yong Link, 93200, Kuching (next to Ing Hiong Hardware Co.).
Members of the public are invited as the nursery will be selling the durians and its seedlings on that day.
For more information, the general public may contact the nursery at 017-2621186.
