MELAKA: A sharp drop in durian prices brought on by a bumper harvest has prompted the state government to transform the glut into a public feast, with premium Musang King and Black Thorn offered at just RM10 for an all-you-can-eat buffet during a one-day festival at Selandar in Jasin, here
Melaka rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the "Melaka Durian Festival 2026" would be held at Duta Riang Villa at Selandar on Sunday (July 5), with the special rate extended to the first 2,000 visitors.
He said the premium durians were originally priced at RM25, but Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had agreed to subsidise RM15 for each of the first 2,000 visitors as part of the state's initiative to celebrate the bumper harvest with the people.
"Ab Rauf wants to treat the people to premium durians and celebrate the season together with them.
"However, the offer is limited to the first 2,000 visitors and those visitors above the figure will have to pay the original RM25 per entry to the orchard," he said when contacted on Thursday (July 2).
However, Dr Muhamad Akmal said he is confident that the Chief Minister may pay for more visitors during the festival.
"There may be another announcement from Ab Rauf during the event as he will also be attending the festival to enjoy the king of fruits with the people.
"Knowing him, he is always full of surprises for the people," he said.
Dr Muhamad Akmal said the festival was open to everyone, including visitors from outside the state, while children aged below 12 would be admitted free.
He said each participant would be allocated 20 minutes for the all-you-can-eat durian session to ensure more visitors could enjoy the experience.
"Initially, I also thought 20 minutes was too short.
"I found that the time limit is actually sufficient when tried out myself," he added.
Besides feasting on durians in an orchard setting, Dr Muhamad Akmal said visitors can also enjoy traditional performances, food truck offerings and a petting zoo, making the festival a family-friendly outing.
