'Durian Balik Pulau' now recognised by MyIPO

GEORGE TOWN: Durian lovers need wonder no more if the King of Fruits they are enjoying is from the Balik Pulau district, famed for durians, after the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) recognised seven varieties as "Durian Balik Pulau".

The durian seven clones are 600, D11, D15, D166, D163 (Horlor), D164 (Ang Bak) and D175 (Udang Merah).

Penang Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the recognition strengthens the identity of Balik Pulau as being famous for good durians.

He said the "Durian Balik Pulau" branding will give the district a signature product and assist farmers in marketing their fruits.

Afif said many durians from the district have been exported to countries like Korea and China and the recognition by MyIPO will only help farmers tap into other markets.

"Penang is famous for durians," he said at a press conference tody to announce the MyIPO recognition with Penang Agriculture Department director Azahar Ibrahim.

Afif said RM12 million worth of durians were produced in the Southwest district (where Balik Pulau is located) so far this year, RM10.3million in 2015 and RM13.8 million in 2014.

"There are some 85,000 durian trees in the district," he added, while Azhar said the MyIPO recognition proved the durians were of good quality.