BE LABEL-SAVVY TO STAY HEALTHY for organic food among health-conscious consumers

PETALING JAYA: The multi-billion-­ringgit global organic food and beverage market is expected to grow more by 2030, according to market research firm Grand View Research.

For Malaysia, there is a growing appetite for organic food among health-conscious consumers.

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But how do people know whether the “organic” foodstuff they buy are truly organic?

An important source is the myOrganic sticker that is usually found on the packaging of organic foodstuff sold at shops.

The myOrganic certification scheme is used to promote, implement and facilitate the adoption of organic agriculture, explains Agriculture Department (DOA) director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.

“This certification scheme covers various organic activities, including fresh produce farming, beekeeping, the breeding of organic plant varieties and wild harvesting.

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“The Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme is now known as myOrganic,” she said in in a statement to The Star.

To safeguard the authenticity of certified organic products, the regulation of organic items is primarily governed under the Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985, overseen by the Health Ministry, she added.

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has also registered the myOrganic certification logo with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) as a legitimate trademark.

“If the DOA receives complaints about the misuse of this logo, the matter will be referred to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further investigation.

“In cases where fraud is confirmed, the offending company may be prosecuted under the Trademarks Act 2019,” she said.

Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to RM10,000 per item bearing the misused trademark, imprisonment of up to three years or both.

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Nor Sam said the department has issued guidelines to certificate holders outlining the terms and conditions for the use of the myOrganic logo.

“However, we also rely on the cooperation of consumers to address the risks of fraud and logo misuse by lodging complaints where appropriate.

“Matters related to processing, repackaging or importation of organic products fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry,” she said.

To create awareness, the department is actively carrying out promotional activities targeting consumers through physical events and social media platforms, as well as by engaging with local organic associations.

“These initiatives focus on promoting Good Agricultural Prac­tices (GAP), highlighting the importance of recognising the myOrganic logo, encouraging the purchase of certified farm produce.

“Additionally, consumers can verify the validity of organic certification by visiting the DOA website at www.doa.gov.my under the list of certified recipients,” she said.

Dr Juju Nakasha Jaafar, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Agri­culture at Universiti Putra Malay­sia, said there has been confusion on the authenticity of organic products.

“For example, a seller might claim he is selling pesticide-free or chemical-free vegetables, which gives consumers the impression that the products are organic.

“In reality, these vegetables may be free from chemical pesticides but are still grown using chemical fertilisers and thus do not qualify as organic,” she said.

“For vegetables to be certified as organic, all input must be completely natural.

“This includes compost fertilisers, organic pesticides and non-genetically modified organism seeds.”

These are outlined in the myOrganic certification guidelines.

“Consumers can look for the myOrganic logo on vegetable products to ensure they are truly organic.

“The DOA strictly regulates this certification,” she said, adding that more details can be found on the DOA website.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said traders must verify the certification documents provided by suppliers before selling or labelling any product as organic.

“They should only use the term ‘organic’ when backed by certification,” he said.

Saravanan said consumers should look for official certification logos on packaging and not rely solely on general claims like ‘natural’.

“If you suspect a product is being falsely marketed as organic, you should report it to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry or lodge a complaint with Fomca,” he added.--

By KHOO GEK SAN, DIVYA THERESA RAVI and RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/12/be-label-savvy-to-stay-healthy

Go easy on durian, say experts ; Time ripe to grow durian dynasty

 

(From left) Mohammad Taufik Saidon, Muhamad Hafiz Azizan and Mohd Iszuan Ismail from Alor Setar enjoying the King of Fruits at Anjung Indah in Balik Pulau, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

IT IS durian season again, but over-indulging in the King of Fruits can pose a serious risk to our health.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems or high blood pressure should not binge eat.

“To enjoy the nutritional benefits of durian safely, limit intake to no more than two medium-sized pieces per day, or about 80g,” she said.

Eating too much durian could have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, she noted.

“Bingeing on durian may cause discomfort and disrupt normal metabolic functions.

“For those with chronic conditions, durian should only be consumed in small amounts, occasionally or not at all,” she added.

Dr Mastura said certain foods should be avoided when eating durian, which contains carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

“These include spicy dishes, caffeine, carbonated drinks, sweet fruits, desserts, soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

“Consuming these alongside durian can cause digestive discomfort and increase health risks,” she said.

“Durian also has a ‘heaty’ effect, though reactions may vary among individuals,” said Dr Mastura.

Penang Health Department nutritionist Zuhaida Harun said that like any other fruit, durian should be eaten according to the recommended serving size.

“One serving of durian is two to three pieces.

“It is high in calories and natural sugar.

“For people with diabetes, it can cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar,” she said.

Zuhaida said high consumption of durian could significantly increase a person’s overall calorie intake.

“Sometimes, bingeing can also lead to other health issues such as bloating, indigestion or feeling overheated,” she said, adding that moderation applied to all foods.

Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi reminded the public to practise moderation when enjoying durian, especially during the current peak season, to avoid potential health risks.

“Overindulgence, particularly in hot weather, can lead to discomfort such as a sore throat, dehydration or digestive problems,” he said.

“Drink plenty of water and exercise self-control to fully appreciate the fruit without experiencing adverse effects,” Gooi advised.

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Time ripe to grow durian dynasty

Smells like success: Durians on display at a stall in SS2, Petaling Jaya. — ART CHEN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: In the world of durians, Malaysia’s Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of contenders is emerging.

From the creamy Black Thorn and Red Prawn to the sweet Hajah Hasmah, the government is championing lesser-known premium varieties to capture growing international demand.

Other established types like Sultan and Tekka are also seeing interest, offering the fruit at a more accessible price and broadening Malaysia’s footprint in the global durian market.

Agriculture Department director-­general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi said Musang King and Bukit Merah are the main varieties recommended for export due to their rich, creamy texture and strong flavour but efforts are under way to highlight other premium types such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hajah Hasmah.

“These varieties are being evaluated for future certification and export readiness, based on their potential in terms of taste, texture, shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping,” she told The Star.

Nor Sam said that Chinese nationals, in particular, are willing to pay premium prices for these varieties.

As such, she said the department is working towards registe­ring durian varieties grown in Malaysia, conduct agronomic assessments and ensure compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of importing countri

“This includes pest disinfestation methods such as vapour heat treatment, traceability systems and farm export certification schemes,” she said.

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These efforts, she said, were in line with the department’s goal of diversifying Malaysia’s durian varieties in the global market, strengthening the competitiveness of the national durian industry and maximising its export value.

The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has found that there is a growing appetite for a wider range of flavours among durian enthusiasts.

“Consumers are becoming more adventurous. They are seeking out unique taste profiles. We are also seeing renewed interest in older, established clones such as D24 and Tekka, which are more affordable and offer classic durian characteristics,” it said in a statement.

Mardi said regional favourites and specific kampung durians with distinctive traits are gaining popularity, too.

On the export front, Mardi said it is focusing on developing new hybrids for domestic and global markets.

Its MDUR series (a hybrid durian clone developed by Mardi), in particular, has shown promise.

“One of the main highlights is MDUR 88 (D190), a hybrid of D10 and D24.

“It is golden yellow, slightly sticky and creamy with a flavour that many compare favourably to Musang King.”

In view of its quality, Mardi said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is promoting MDUR 88 for export.

“MDUR 88 has recently been rebranded as ‘MARDI Super 88’ (MS88),” it said.

Mardi is also working on other hybrids, such as MDUR 78 (D188) and MDUR 79 (D189), which offer improved yields and greater resistance to diseases like root borers and stem canker.

The institute also highlighted its broader breeding initiatives, noting that its second hybridisation programme, launched in the late 1980s, involved crosses between 10 different varieties.

Several promising hybrids from this programme are now in the final stages of assessment and are expected to be introduced under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Mardi’s third set of hybrids is undergoing evaluation and assessment.

The institute is optimistic about the potential of these new hybrids.

“While Musang King and Black Thorn continue to set the benchmark in terms of market presence and price, we believe that our own developed hybrids, particularly MDUR 88, have the characteristics and quality to compete in the international market,” it said.

Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri said that in addition to Musang King, premium varieties including D24, Black Thorn, IOI and D9 have been sent for assessments to ensure they meet phytosanitary and quality compliance for targeted export markets like China.

“Fama is also working to expand market access beyond China and Hong Kong to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Australia and the Netherlands,” he said.

Abdul Rashid said that strategic initiatives include participation in trade fairs, digital marketplace partnerships, in-store promotions and collaborative awareness programmes with the Malaysian embassies.

“To strengthen Malaysia’s competitive edge and credibility in premium markets, the ministry is also enhancing the national branding of agricultural produce through Malaysia’s Best, a certification that assures quality and safety for both domestic and international standards,” he said.

In 2023, Malaysia exported 54,374 tonnes of durians, valued at RM1.51bil, with China accounting for more than 45.7% of the total export.

Abdul Rashid said the volume is expected to increase following China’s approval for fresh durian imports.

“Fama will continue to work with industry stakeholders to monitor market trends, optimise logistics, and scale up capacity to meet growing international demand,” he said.

Malaysia’s durian cultivation area has been steadily expanding in recent years, with data from the Agriculture Department showing an increase from 70,286ha in 2019 to a projected 92,129ha in 2024.

Durian production followed suit, rising from 390,635 tonnes in 2020 to a projected 568,852 tonnes this year, despite some fluctuations due to weather and cost challenges.

The increase has been driven largely by global demand especially for premium varieties.

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Twilight years of the trade

 

Chinese medical halls slowly vanishing due to costs and demand

Quieter days: Liew checking the herbs on display at his shop in Chulia Street, George Town. —KT GOH/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Once a popular place for people to get traditional herbs, a century-old medical hall here now stands mostly quiet with the shelves lined with jars meant more for show than trade.

“We stopped selling Chinese herbs in 2014,” said Liew Kong Choy, who has run the shop in Chulia Street for decades.

“Too expensive. The stuff from China got too costly.”

These days, Liew sells balm, oil and a few home remedies to the elderly who still walk in.

But not many do these days.

“Young people go to pharmacies now,” he said. “They don’t believe in this like their parents did.”

Now, they are vanishing. It is partly due to the escalating cost.

“Red dates, wolfberries, ginseng and most Chinese herbs have gone up by 10% to 15% over the past six months,” said Teoh Hai Wei, 43, who still runs a hall nearby.

“Some of the prices vary and depend on the season, some just follow China.”

He said supply problems and shifting demand made the trade harder to manage.

Penang wholesaler Lai Ee Li compared the business to the stock market.

“Prices change every few months,” she said. “Before Chinese New Year, they go up. After that, they drop.

“Depends on the season, what illnesses are spreading and what people think will work.”

She said demand for tiger milk mushroom increases when there’s a spike in respiratory illness. That means the price jumps in tandem.

Other items that have recently gone up include chrysanthemum, lo han guo, barley and hei ko – all rising by between 5% and 15% in bulk.

Even so, Chinese patent medicine still sells, though the numbers have been volatile.

In 2022, China exported traditional Chinese medicine worth US$54.2mil (RM230.4mil) to Malaysia – a 138% jump over the previous year.

But in 2023, the figure fell to US$32.5mil (RM138.2mil), a 40% drop.

“2022 was a surge year because people turned to traditional Chinese medicine during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Malay­sian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng.

“2023 was more of a correction.”

He said rising costs in China also pushed up prices and made it harder for exporters.

Demand in the region, especially in price-sensitive countries, has dropped since the pandemic.

Back in Chulia Street, Liew doesn’t talk about global trade figures.

He just sees fewer people walk past his door.

“I’m still here. But it’s not like before,” he said.

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