Although prices of premium durian varieties have reportedly dropped by 30% due to the current oversupply in the market, it has not significantly impacted growers in Perak.
Perak Durian Growers Community representative Mohamad Kamal Noh Safiee said the situation was common in the durian industry, as it was influenced by supply and demand.
“The price of Musang King has fallen to about RM20 per kg compared to when it could reach up to RM35 per kg previously.
“Despite the price drop, premium varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn and D24 can yield harvests three to four times a year, helping to cushion the impact,” he told Bernama at a community engagement session with Perak media at Taman Agroteknologi Mardi in Kuala Kangsar.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) had previously said that it was implementing its Seasonal Fruits Marketing and Intervention Plan to ensure durian output was marketed in a more organised manner, while reducing oversupply during the peak season from June to August.
Mohamad Kamal said the current price decline had a greater impact on those selling durian kampung.
“Durian kampung is more widely planted and sold by growers, leading to a significant glut of this variety.”
He said the issue of durian oversupply should be addressed from a supply chain management perspective to ensure excess produce was channelled more systematically, including into processing and downstream industries.
Mohamad Kamal also urged the government to consider recognising durian as the national fruit, in view of its significant role in the country’s history, culture, biodiversity and agri-food industry development.
“Durian is deeply rooted in the people’s culture, particularly in rural and village areas, as well as in international diplomacy.
“From an economic perspective, durian also plays a major role in the agri-food sector,” he said, adding that premium varieties have strong demand in international markets due to their quality, uniqueness and reputation.
Mohamad Kamal said the proposal was in line with the views of former Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Mohd Nasir Warris, who had called for the “king of fruits’ to be recognised alongside other national symbols such as the Malayan tiger and hibiscus.
