Durian Thieves Strike Penang Stalls Despite Price Drop

Despite a sharp drop in durian prices this season, thieves in Penang, Malaysia, are still targeting orchards and stalls, causing losses for traders. Wenny Ooi, a 27-year-old trader, reported two break-ins at her family's stall on June 25 and June 29, where baskets of prized Black Thorn durians were stolen. Surveillance footage showed one thief leaving with a basket, and Ooi suspects a vehicle was waiting outside to help transport the stolen fruit.

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Four days later, at about 1am, my stall was broken into again. This time, the thief was armed with a knife but left with only a basket of spoiled durians.

Four days after the first incident, Ooi's stall was broken into again, this time with the thief armed with a knife, though only spoiled durians were taken. Following these events, Ooi's family increased the number of guard dogs at their stall. These incidents highlight the persistent issue of durian theft in the region, even as market prices have decreased significantly.

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They usually come in groups of two or three, carrying sacks, and each time they can make off with more than 10kg of durians.

Durian farmer Tan Chee Keat, 35, described thefts as a near-daily occurrence at his orchard in Sungai Ara. He stated that groups of two or three trespassers often sneak in during the early morning hours, carrying sacks and making off with over 10kg of durians each time. Tan mentioned using drones to detect intruders, but catching them is difficult as they wear masks and enter through the back of the orchard, often fleeing into the jungle when confronted.

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It’s ironic because durian prices have fallen sharply this season. Penang durians are now selling for between RM5 (S$1.59) and RM50 (S$15.88) per kg, roughly half their peak prices earlier in the harvest.

Kie Kim Hwa, chairman of the Penang Fruit Farmers Association, noted that while durian thefts were more common during poorer economic times, they still happen occasionally. He found it ironic that thefts persist despite prices falling by roughly half from their peak, with Penang durians now selling between RM5 and RM50 per kg. Many traders opt to improve security rather than pursue legal action. Kie urged hikers and visitors not to steal durians, calling it shameful and emphasizing that these fruits are farmers' livelihoods.

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It is shameful to steal. These fruits are the farmers’ livelihood.