DURIAN lovers are now enjoying the ‘King of Fruits’ at a cheaper price, without compromising on quality.
The current supply of durians in Penang is expected to exceed the demand.
A check by Buletin Mutiara recently showed that many sellers are anticipating a bountiful harvest this year.
Chin Loong Kong, the owner of the Kong Durian 2828 in Air Itam, told Buletin Mutiara that the prices of durians are relatively lower this year.
“This is due to the abundant supply. Many high-grade durians from other states are sold at lower prices and that has also influenced the market.
“For example, our Musang King durians, which were sold at about RM70 last year, are now sold at between RM30 and RM50 per kg this year.
“Similarly, the prices of the other types of durians, like Black Thorn, also saw a steep decline from RM90 to RM70 this year,” he said when met at his stall.
Although the prices are getting cheaper, Chin said the number of his customers has taken a dip compared to previous years due to stiff competition.
Chin said the weather condition also plays a vital factor in influencing the prices.
“The wet weather in these few months is also a major factor affecting the prices,” he said, adding that the durian harvest would continue until July or August this year.
Chin said many of his customers were locals although his shop is located near the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, which is a popular tourist spot.
“Our sales have dropped a lot at the beginning of the durian season compared to previous years,” he said.
Penang Fruit Farmers Association chairman Wong Jee Min said that durian sales are expected to rebound.
“It is the school holidays now and many tourists from abroad have flocked to Penang to enjoy the ‘King of Fruits’,” he said.
At Macalister Road, locals and foreign tourists were spotted enjoying durians.
A group of local tourists, who came from Kuala Lumpur, were delighted at finally being able to savour Penang’s durians.
One of them, Lin Su Ann, ordered ‘Ang Heh’ and ‘Tupai’ for only RM150.
Two China tourists, Zhuo Xiulong and Zhuo Yujian, who are both from Jiangxi province, said they enjoyed the Musang King durian.
“Imported durians in China are far more expensive compared to here,” they said when approached.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting