Perak durian growers remain steady amid a 30% price drop, with premium varieties cushioning the impact of oversupply.
KUALA KANGSAR: Although prices of premium durian varieties 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 is common in the durian industry, as it is influenced by supply and demand factors.
“Currently, the price of Musang King has fallen to about RM20 per kilogramme compared to previously, when it could reach up to RM35 per kilogramme.
“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 of the current price drop,” he said when met at a Durian Community engagement session with the Perak media at Dango Cakcibor here today.
On June 29, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) said it is actively implementing the Seasonal Fruits Marketing and Intervention Plan 2026 to ensure durian output is marketed in a more organised manner, while reducing oversupply during the peak season from June to August.
Mohamad Kamal said the current price decline has had a greater impact on those selling durian kampung due to the more severe oversupply compared to premium varieties.
“Durian kampung is more affected because it is more widely planted and sold by growers, leading to a significant glut of this variety,” he said.
He added that the issue of durian oversupply should be addressed from a supply chain management perspective to ensure excess produce is channelled more systematically, including into processing and downstream industries.
In a related development, the Perak durian growers community urged the government to consider recognising durian as the national fruit.
Mohamad Kamal said the proposal was put forward in view of durian’s significant role in the country’s history, culture, biodiversity and agri-food industry development.
“Durian has a substantial value in shaping a nation’s identity as it 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 country’s agri-food sector. Premium varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn and D24 have strong demand in international markets due to their quality, uniqueness and reputation,” he said.
Mohamad Kamal added that the proposal was not made lightly, and it is in line with the views of former Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Mohd Nasir Warris, who has called for the ‘king of fruits’ to be recognised alongside other national symbols such as the Malayan tiger and the hibiscus.
“However, it would be better if the government considers setting up a technical committee to holistically evaluate the criteria for such recognition,” he said.
