Musang King Durian: A Malaysian Delicacy Crowned with Geographical Indication

Do you know how to identify Musang King durian?

In the lush landscapes of Malaysia, where the climate is as diverse as its culture, grows a fruit that has transcended its humble beginnings to become a global sensation. The Musang King durian, known locally as Raja Kunyit, is not just a fruit; it's a symbol of Malaysian pride and agricultural prowess. This blog post delves into the journey of Musang King from its origin to its recognition as a geographical indication in 2014, a testament to its unparalleled quality and unique provenance.

The Origins of Musang King Durian

The world of durians, often reverred as "King of Fruits," is rich with variety and history, none more fascinating than the tale of Musang King, a variety that has taken the fruit market by storm. At the heart of this durian dynasty is the Raja Kunyit which literally means turmeric king.

The durian was originally given the name "Kunyit" by Chung Chun Seng, the founder of this durian tree in the late 18th century, according to The Star. Before the tree died, Wee Chong Beng planted this durian in Tanah Merah, Kelantan. The Department of Agriculture registered the durian variety as D197 and acknowledge Wee Chong Beng as the breeder.

The durian gained popularity, and it is  grown in Gua Musang. Tan Lai Fook brought a branch of Raja Kunyit tree from Gua Musang and grafted it to his durian tree in Raub, according to Wong Pui Yan, a researcher. Tan called it 'mao sheng wang' (毛生王).

Tina Chong: The Musang Queen

Tina Chong Yok Fong from Gua Musang, a formidable figure in the durian industry, played a pivotal role in popularizing the Musang King name, according to Berita Harian. The Chinese term 'mao shan wang' (猫山王) which literally means civet king is also promoted. Her dedication to the cultivation and promotion of this variety has earned her the moniker "Musang Queen." Tina's efforts in transitioning her orchard to predominantly Musang King trees have significantly contributed to the variety's fame and the high regard it holds today.

The Crowning Glory: Geographical Indication

In a move that solidified Musang King's status, the Malaysian government registered it as a geographical indication (GI) on March 13, 2014. This registration under GI2014-00001 recognizes the durian's specific geographical origin and the qualities that arise from it. The GI protects the name Musang King, ensuring that only durians grown in Malaysia that meet the stringent quality standards can bear this prestigious title.

The Musang King Experience

Musang King durians are celebrated for their buttery texture, robust flavor, and a hint of bitterness that durian aficionados cherish. The durian's husk is a dusky green with a distinctive star shape at the bottom, and its flesh—a deep, vibrant yellow—delivers a taste experience that is both complex and satisfying.

A Fruit with a Future

The Musang King durian's journey from a local delicacy to an internationally recognized brand is a narrative of Malaysian innovation and dedication. As the durian continues to captivate palates around the world, the geographical indication serves as a promise of quality and authenticity—a promise that Malaysia proudly upholds.

As we celebrate the Musang King, we also acknowledge the individuals like Wee Chong Beng, Tan Lai Fook and Tina Chong, whose passion and hard work have propelled this fruit to global acclaim. The Musang King durian is not just a fruit; it's a legacy that Malaysia will cherish and protect for years to come.

Klang Bak Kut Teh is Recognized as a Geographical Indication

Klang bak kut teh is a soup-based dish that has been recognized as a geographical indication (GI) by Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (MyIPO), an agency under the Ministry of Domestic Trade  and Costs of Living (KPDN). This means that Klang bak kut teh has a special connection to Klang city, where it originated and developed its distinctive flavour and reputation.

But what is geographical indication?

According to MyIPO, a geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and a reputation that are due to that origin. For example, Darjeeling tea is a geographical indication for tea grown in the Darjeeling region of India, which has a unique aroma and taste. Similarly, Yantai apple is a geographical indication for apples grown in the Yantai region of China, which are known for their crispness and sweetness. Other examples of geographical indications are Gruyere cheese from Switzerland, asam pedas Melaka and Sarawak pepper.

Klang bak kut teh is the first geographical indication that originates from Selangor to be recognized by MyIPO. This is a great achievement for the local bak kut teh industry and culture, as it showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Malaysian cuisine. The geographical indication was initiated by the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCCI). 

Henry Golding said that his choice of Malaysia food for diplomacy is bak kut teh and he emphasized the Klang version. "Klang's has broth that's been brewing for generations [...] If it stops boiling, it'll grow this thickness of fur and bacteria. But, it's delicious!"

In Hokkien, bak kut teh means meat-bone tea. There are many bak kut teh sellers in the market. The original bak kut teh is served in a bowl without chilis, youtiao or vegetables. These are considered accompaniments in modern bak kut teh. Even soup refills are not provided by original bak kut teh sellers.

@dennisboonlengtan Klang bak kut teh recognized as a geographical indication. #klang #bakkutteh #geographicalindication ♬ Gong Xi Fa Cai - Lux-Inspira

Modern bak kut teh sellers are serving the dish with chilli padi, mushrooms and tofu pok. Specialty bak but teh sellers can be found in most Malaysia cities. Teluk Pulai, the introducer of claypot and soup refillls is probably the most common version available. Three bak kut teh sellers are recognized in the Michelin Guide. 

Bak kut teh is recognized as a noun in Oxford English Dictionary. Other Malaysian English terms recognized are bak kwa, char kway teow, chicken rice, kopitiam, laksa, mamak, sotong and teh tarik.

Geographic​al Indication Regulation​s 2000 (Amendment 2013)

The Geographical Indication Regulations 2000 (Amendment 2013) was amended on 15th July 2013. A notice was issued by the Registrar of Geographical Indications to include provisions regarding eligibility, enrolment and renewal of geographical agent; renewal of registered geographical indications; and reinstatement of registered geographical indications. Hence, IP practitioners interested in providing service as geographical indication agent will have to be registered with the Registry as an agent. Forms and fees involved is also updated. The notice of amendment is available at www.myipo.gov.my

Malaysia Australia FTA

Malaysia inked free trade agreement with Australia, which will come to effect from 1 Jan 2013. Intellectual property is one of the subject matter of the free trade agreement.

In the agreement, each party shall ratify as soon as practicable, the following agreements: WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Madrid Protocol and Singapore Treaty on Trademarks. The former two treaties define specific rights of authors and performers, while the latter provides a simple and harmonized international trademark registration system. Protection of non-traditional trademarks shall also be implemented. Harmonisation according to international industrial property system are encouraged to be implemented, to reduce complexity and cost to users.

Both parties also agreed that patent and trademark databases will be made available on the internet. Protected geographical indications shall also be published.

Faiza Cannot Use "Ponni" Label, Rules Court

The High Court here Tuesday ruled that Faiza Sdn Bhd cannot use the "ponni" label for its rice products.

Judge Datuk Azahar Mohamed made the ruling after allowing an application by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA) an four others to nullify the trademark used by the company.

He also ordered that the Registrar of Trademarks remove Faiza's "ponni" label from its register.

In his judgement, Azahar said 'ponni' rice was produced in the Kaveri Delta in India that Faiza did not have the right to register it as its own trademark.

"To sum up, I concluded that the entry of 'ponni' trade mark in the register of trade marks in Malaysia is an entry wrongfully made and wrongfully remaining in the registry.

"All material times, the name "ponni" was used consistently and extensively world wide and in Malaysia for a particular variety of rice originating from the trade mark region in India," he said.

He added that the 'ponni' as a result of such consistent and extensive use became distinctive of such variety of rice worldwide and Malaysia.

"The word 'ponni' is not an invented word of the Malaysian company. In Tamil the word "ponni" is gold as rice is precious and "ponni" is a recognisable name of rice variety originating from Tamil Nadu.

"The name 'ponni' does not qualify for registration as it prevents others from legitimately using the particular rice and the respondent is not entitled to register the word "ponni" as a trade mark," he said.

In their civil action filed on Jan 22, APEDA, Universiti Pertanian Tamil Nadu, two farmers from India, and business entities Visnukumar Traders Pvt.Ltd and K.K Imports and Exports had named Faiza Sdn Bhd as the respondent.

The plaintiffs wanted the court to order the "ponni" trade mark with registration number No 00007172 to be voided and removed from the Malaysian Trade Marks Registry and gazetted as such.

Faiza Sdn Bhd's marketing and sales manager Fazaruddin Ibrahim had told the court that the company received approval to use the trade mark on June 6, 2000 from the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia.

He said the company had spent a sizable sum of money to obtain the trade mark and popularise it among consumers.

He added that the company had no ulterior motives in using the trade mark and had never denied the geographical origin of "ponni" rice.

The plaintiffs were represented by counsel Karen Abraham while Faiza Sdn Bhd by counsel A. Chinnapalanidevi. -Bernama

Geographical Indications of Malaysia

Tenom coffee bean
Geographical indications (GI) is widely used in Europe to protect wines, spirit, cheese and chocolate products. GI is specifically related to a district or state's agriculture produce. As of April 2009, there are six registered GI in Malaysia namely Sarawak pepper, Sabah tea, Sabah seaweed, Sabah virgin coconut oil, Tenom coffee and Bario rice. Tenom is a rural town of Sabah while Bario is a part of Sarawak.

Sarawak pepper has a distinctive flavor and taste that has gained international recognition by chefs and gourmets as one of the most favorite pepper ingredients. There are various pepper products such as pepper candies and pepper perfume that won't make you sneeze.

Sabah tea is grown on Mount Kinabalu at 2000 feet above sea level. Tender leaves of amellia Sinensis plants used are certified as organic tea.

Sabah seaweed is cultivated at clear and unpolluted seas of Sabah. Sabah seaweed has high soluble fibre content that lowers blood cholesterol and lipid levels.

Sabah virgin coconut oil, to some researchers, is the healthiest dietary oil on earth. Clinical studies have shown that lauric acid, present in virgin coconut oil, has anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it a miracle healing oil.

The Tenom district is famous for its coffee, Tenom Robusta. The coffee is cultivated, and roasted with butter and salt in Tenom.

Bario Rice is regarded by the natives as the finest and best rice from the highlands of Sarawak. It is grown on cool climates at an elevation above 1,200 metres. It is believed to be the finest rice grains of the world. It is famous for its soft texture, fine and elongated grains with mild aromas and splendid taste.

GI is similar to trademark. It prevents agriculture produce of other regions to be passed of as a popular or quality produce. It is widely used to protect a quality agriculture produce of a region.