The Black Thorn durians are seen at a durian orchard in Raub, Malaysia, Nov. 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

First Malaysian fresh durian exports are being flown to China in three consignments, expected to reach Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai within 24 hours after arrival. 

Malaysia has started exporting fresh durian to China, with 40 metric tons of the popular tropical fruit to be sent in three phases starting Saturday, according to Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The first batch will consist of 15 metric tons; the second phase will follow on Sunday with 10 metric tons, and the remainder will be sent in the third phase, he said at a ceremony to mark the occasion at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's cargo terminal.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said at the ceremony that the fresh durians were transported via air cargo to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, which serves as a major cargo hub in China.

"Upon arrival at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, a comprehensive logistics network - including trains, trucks, and other transport modes - ensures that the fresh durians can be distributed throughout China in under 24 hours, reaching major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, which are key markets for our fresh durian," Loke explained.

Aerial photo taken on Nov. 21, 2021 shows a durian orchard equipped with a cloud-based smart platform in Raub, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Malaysia previously started exporting whole frozen durian to China in 2019.