NIBONG TEBAL: A fruit Marketing and Intervention Plan 2026 is being implemented in the state to help market local durians during the peak of the season.
Penang Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director Mohd Hafiz Nurulhuda (pic) said it will run from June through August to reduce the impact of the durian oversupply.
The oversupply has occurred in several states following this year's increased harvest.
"The peak of this durian season has resulted in extra yields in major durian production states like Penang, Pahang and Johor," he said.
"In Penang, durian production increased to more than 18,000 metric tonnes this year compared to about 17,000 metric tonnes last year," he added.
He said the impact in Penang is not as noticeable as in other states because only about 30% of durians here comprise Kampung durians.
"We are still focusing on cloned and premium durians in Penang and this week the prices of Black Thorn and Musang King are still around RM30 to RM40 per kg in Penang," he said.
He told reporters this during a press conference held at the Penang Durian Festival 2026 in Nibong Tebal on Sunday (June 28).
Mohd Hafiz said to guarantee a market for durian entrepreneurs, they implemented the Forward Agreement purchasing method.
"About 85 metric tonnes of durian purchase transactions were carried out through this mechanism, ensuring a consistent and quality supply to consumers and buyers," he said.
"Through this method, Fama offers a base price of RM2.70 per kg for Kampung durians while clone and premium durians are purchased according to the current market price," he added.
If the price of the Kampung durian drops below RM2.70 per kg, Fama will make purchases at the base price.
"This week the price of Kampung durian in Penang is still above RM3 per kg," he said.
He said they also have two temporary collection centres for durians in Balik Pulau and Seberang Jaya for collection, distribution and sale.
"So far 50 metric tonnes of durians have been successfully marketed through the facility throughout this season," he said.
Earlier during the event, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a total of RM14.53mil has been allocated to strengthen Penang's agriculture and agro-food sectors this year.
This allocation includes funds for increasing the competitiveness of the premium durian industry.
He said the amount included RM6.37mil under the state development allocation and RM2.23mil from the Federal Government's agricultural development allocation.
An additional RM5.93mil was channelled through the Empowering the National Agri-Food Sector programme under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
"In 2025, the fruit sub-sector recorded production of 30,947 metric tonnes with an estimated value of RM309.47mil, becoming the largest contributor to the state's crop production value," he said.
"This proves that fruit production continues to be one of the main drivers of Penang's agricultural economy," he added.
Chow said Penang has remained among the best premium durian producers in Malaysia, with production increasing from 17,910 metric tonnes in 2024 to 18,870 metric tonnes last year.
"Areas under durian cultivation in the state are also expected to increase to 2,220ha this year, driven by continuous efforts to strengthen the industry," he said.
