Durian Capital plans to raise RM56 mln via Durian Investment Scheme

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12  -- Durian Capital Bhd, a homegrown modern agriculture management company, is targeting to raise RM56 million via its Musang King Durian Investment Scheme by April or May 2022.

Managing director Dr Vijay Pillai said for phase one, the scheme covers 80.9 hectares (ha) of land in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan with 8,000 interest units available for retail and institutional investors.

“So far, we have raised RM3.6 million with 360 units sold to local and foreign investors in October 2021,” he told a press conference after launching Malaysia’s first Licensed Durian Investment Scheme here today.

The scheme was being licensed under the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) Interest Scheme Act 2016.

Vijay said the company has planted 64.35-ha of Musang King durian as of October 2021 and is targeted to be harvested in 2026.

He added that the potential revenue for the durian will be between RM8 million and RM12 million in 2026.

Hence, Vijay said the investors can start investing with a minimum amount of RM10,000 per unit.

Meanwhile, chief executive officer Afiq Johar said the global demand for durians is projected to remain robust in the near term, with an estimated global market size of US$18.72 billion in 2019 and expected to reach US$30 billion by 2025.

“Much of this growth will be driven by strong market demand in China, where the fruit has gained traction.

“We are also looking to explore new markets such as Singapore, India, the Middle East, and Australia to become more accessible in international markets,” he said.

Afiq also said the company boasts an expert agriculture team with decades of combined experience and the latest best practices in durian cultivation, supported by technical advisors from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) covering areas such as crop science and plant protection.

To optimise the growth and yield of the Musang King produce, Durian Capital leverages modern agri-technologies such as smart irrigation systems, drone surveillance, data analytics, and a proprietary soil nutrition regime, he said. 

-- BERNAMA