Sharp rise in durian prices due to the weather

Pricey but tasty: Ng showing the Raja Kunyit durian that is being sold at RM45 per kg now.

GEORGE TOWN: Durian prices are expected to increase by between 20% and 30% this year due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The supply of durians is also expected to run low.

Bao Sheng Durian Farm owner Chang Zhi Vooi said prices might see a hike of between RM5 and RM20 for all types of durian.

“The factors which will affect the prices are the durian trees’ age and the fruits’ freshness.

“The older the durian tree is, the dearer its fruits will be,” he said, adding that prices for the fruits which were freshly dropped from the trees were more compared to the older ones.

He said customers visiting his orchard in Balik Pulau, usually opted for durians which had just dropped from the trees.

Chang also said that either the Musang King (also known as Mausan) or the Black Thorn would be the more expensive durian species this season.

“The price of these two types of durians as well as the Red Prawn may range between RM30 and RM60 per kg and it may increase depending on the availability,” he added.

Tng Siang Hock Trading mana­ging director Ng Teck Hock said the price for Musang King and the Black Thorn might start from RM38 per kg.

“The Black Thorn’s price will be more or less similar to Musang King, but the demand for the Musang King will be higher.

“I usually bring in nearly one tonne of Musang King durians daily for my customers during the season, and all of it will be sold off quickly,” he said.

Ng added that his customers always asked for Musang King as their first choice.

Durian lovers can expect to sink their teeth into the first batch of the D604 and Kunpoh Angbak from next week onwards, followed by the Lipan, D600, Kapri, Little Red, D11, Horlor, Green Skin, Green Skin Ang Bak, Kunjit, Lim Fong Jiao, and Musang King species.

Black Thorn, D99, Bak Eu, D15 and Ganjau will be available from June while the Red Prawn will only make its appearance from July 10.