Not to worry, plenty of durians kept for local lovers to enjoy

BALIK PULAU: The recent surge in durian demand, fuelled by China’s growing appetite for the fruit, has spurred local durian enthusiasts in Penang, to rush to their favourite stalls, particularly in Balik Pulau, to savour their share of the “king of fruits”.

But fret not. Despite the heightened demand, there is no need for concern about a shortage.

The Star visited a durian collection centre in Balik Pulau and found that durians are in abundance; the fruits were piled by the thousands and being graded, to be transported all over the state and to the Klang Valley.

Collectors say this round, there is an “extraordinary amount” of durian.

Orchard owner and exporter Eric Yeap, whose orchards are in Teluk Bahang, even said the supply was “too much” this season.

“Most of my exports are to Hong Kong. Since two weeks ago, the abundance has led to prices dropping.

“By mid July, I am exporting durians to the United States,” he said.

He has a shack in Teluk Bahang where durian lovers, including a regular flow of visitors from China, can have a feast of durian fresh off his trees while listening to the trilling of cicadas.

“The fruits that I export are the same as those I harvest for the local market.

“The whole fruits are packed in polystyrene boxes and sent to China by flight.

“We anticipate a large wave of Chinese tourists next month, but do not worry as there will be enough durians at good prices for locals,” he said.

Durian supplier Hew Wen Zhang, 21, who sells durian in bulk at his station in Balik Pulau said there were “more than enough” durians this season for locals.

“Since early June, we have durians by the truckloads coming from orchards.

“Between four and five tonnes are collected here daily, with about 90% of them going to Kedah.

“The buyers come with their own trucks and take everything we have,” he said.

It was reported that Malaysia’s fresh durian is expected to debut in China this year, presenting an exciting new business opportunity for Malaysian durian farmers.

Last year, Malaysia produced 455,458 metric tonnes of durians, 10% of which were shipped frozen to China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Malaysia has been exporting frozen durian products to China since 2011 and frozen whole durians since May 2019.