FAMA clarifies that the RM1 per kg durian price reported in Tapah is only for grade C fruit, with grade A still selling for RM8 to RM11 per kg.
IPOH: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has clarified that reports of durians being sold for as low as RM1 per kilogramme only refer to grade C fruit from a specific area in Tapah.
Perak FAMA director Mohd Salleh Saidin said this price does not reflect the overall durian harvest in the Jalan Pahang, Tapah area.
Grade A durians from the area are still being sold at between RM8 and RM11 per kg, in line with current market conditions.
He said grade C fruit accounts for about 70% of production from the involved collectors and farmers, with grade B making up the remaining 30%.
“The durian from this area is known as Durian Bukit Jalan Pahang, Tapah,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Salleh issued the statement after visiting the area and meeting the local Tok Batin to get a clearer picture of the marketing situation.
The visit revealed that the Tok Batin did not market the durians to FAMA due to an existing agreement with a trader who had purchased the entire harvest.
“As such, for the current production season, FAMA is not involved in purchasing durians,” he said.
He added that Perak FAMA remains ready to act as a facilitator should farmers encounter future marketing issues.
This approach aligns with FAMA’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ welfare and ensuring market stability.
Media reports yesterday said Orang Asli residents along Jalan Pahang had seen their income severely affected by a sharp drop in durian prices this season.
Selling prices were reported to be as low as RM1 to RM2 per kg.
