CN China durian

Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has developed traceability software to track the quality of its premium durian in a bit to boost exports.

The platform, called MyTrace, allows consumers to scan QR code labels on the durian, offering information on where the fruit was grown, its packaging date and logistics information, and also works as an authentication tool, reports Business Today.

The platform also allows exporters to collate data on where consumers scanned the QR codes, and monitor their shipments.

“In the present competitive global environment, the biggest challenge for our producers and their suppliers is to continuously improve their product quality and being able to comply with government regulations industry standards,” Malaysian minister Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau Madius said at the launch of MyTrace on 19 July. “In order to penetrate, succeed and sustain in a niche segment such as premium food, exporters need appropriate technologies in all stages of the supply chain.”

Six Malaysian durian exporters who have been approved by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to export premium durian to China will trial the service, with the technology expected to help boost exports.

MyTrace was developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation alongside the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, the Department of Standards Malaysia, the Department of Agriculture and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority.