Durian Prices Plummet in Malaysia, Selling for as Low as RM1 Per Kilogram Amidst Supply Glut

Malaysia's iconic durian fruit is facing an unprecedented price collapse, with supply overwhelming demand and driving prices down to as low as RM1 per kilogram in some areas. This dramatic fall affects even premium varieties that were once highly sought after.

High-value durians such as Musang King and Black Thorn, previously fetching RM28 to RM45 per kilogram, have seen their prices plummet by approximately 50%. Consumers can now find Musang King for around RM10 per kilogram and Black Thorn for about RM25 per kilogram. Even the highest grade 'A' durians are being sold to the public for just RM2 per kilogram, with fruit sold to factories fetching even less at 70 sen.

This glut is primarily due to a significant increase in the cultivation of premium durian varieties over recent years. The situation is compounded by a simultaneous harvesting season across key producing states like Pahang, Johor, and Penang. Farmers are forced to sell at drastically reduced prices to avoid spoilage, with some reporting over 1,000 trees each yielding more than 200 fruits this season. The quality of the fruit this year is reportedly very good, with over 60% of the harvest being of good quality, yet prices remain exceptionally low compared to previous years.