Durian prices in Malaysia are forecast to decline this month as the country enters the height of its harvest season, which is expected to bring an abundant supply, local sellers say.
This year’s harvest will likely reach its peak in supply within this and next month, according to Kuala Lumpur-based vendor Muhd Khairul, 34, with over eight years in the trade.
“Customers have already started coming, especially looking for Udang Merah and IOI durians,” referring to two durian varieties grown in the country, as reported by The New Straits Times.
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A worker cleans a durian in Kuala Lumpur in 2020. Photo by AFP |
Many street stalls in the city are attracting crowds, paying up to MYR190 (US$45) per kilogram.
Aiman Junaidi, 20, an employee at a durian stall, said that available varieties include Musang King, IOI, D24, Kampung, and Udang Merah, with Musang King being the top seller since the stall opened earlier this month.
“Prices are still a little high now but are expected to drop during the peak season this month.”
Customers are saying they benefit from the large number of options available.
“This year, there’s more variety and prices are more reasonable, so I’m really satisfied,” said Shahidatul Nadia, 36, who consumes durian whenever it is in harvest.
Malaysia’s durian harvest falls between May and August this year. Last year, it exported $212 million worth of the fruit to China, the world’s largest durian market, according to state-owned media Named.
The country targets exports to China to jump 15-20% this year.
