KUALA LUMPUR: DSR Taiko Bhd is embarking on its international expansion by bringing the homegrown Musang King durian specialities overseas, starting with 15 countries.

Going under D.Masking brand, DSR will distribute its in-house developed durian specialities to these countries including China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Singapore and South Africa, through its Daily Fresh outlets.

The long term strategic plan was highlighted during the launch of D.Masking’s second flagship store in Lot 10, here today.

DSR Taiko chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ng Lian Poh said the company is now taking it a step further to enhance fresh durians’ added value by developing unique speciality products.

“We are grateful to collaborate with key government agencies to bring Malaysia’s distinctive taste to the world.

“With the support of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), we are aggressively undertaking research and development (R&D) and opening up new overseas markets via Daily Fresh’s existing outlets to entice global palates.

“This would help us to tap into the potential of the immense downstream durian products market.

Also present at the launch were Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Sirim Bhd group president and chief executive Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin and Sirim Technology Sdn Bhd CEO Ajmain Kasim.

During the launch, DSR has also exchanged a project agreement with Sirim Bhd’s subsidiary, Sirim Tech Venture, to develop Sirim industry standards on Musang King.

Ng said the partnership with Sirim Tech Venture will enable the company to develop holistic orchards-to-consumer business solutions to develop inaugural industry standards for Musang King durians, as well as Musang King Integrated Tracking Systems (MKITS) to enhance product traceability.

“This is in line with our motto where ‘Origin Matters’ and is a perfect public and private partnership to raise the standards of the durian plantation industry to authenticate the Malaysian-made king of fruits,” he added.

Arham said one of MIDA’s ethos is to be an effective conduit for product development efforts by Malaysian companies, starting from seeding their R&D right up to spurring commercialisation and marketing reach in the domestic and international markets.

“MIDA via the Domestic Investment Coordination Platform Platform (DICP) has successfully assisted many SMEs and local businesses including DSR to pursue their business plans by providing the missing link between businesses, funding, technology and research capability.

“We are proud to play a role in facilitating an all-win scenario that would be the pride of the nation,” he said.