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🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

Penang durian prices remain high, defying national trend

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Durian prices in Penang remain high, defying a national trend of falling prices.
  • Enthusiasts pay premium prices for rare varieties like Old Ginger, Musang King, and Red Prawn.
  • Penang growers command higher prices due to exclusive Balik Pulau varieties and natural fertilization methods.

Durian prices in Penang are bucking the trend seen elsewhere in Malaysia, with the King of Fruits still fetching up to RM68 per kilogram. This sustained high pricing is attributed to enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for rarity and quality.

It had deep yellow flesh and an intense bittersweet flavour with an almost aromatic fragrance. It is the best I have tasted so far.

— P. ChandraDescribing the Old Ginger durian variety.

One durian fan, P. Chandra, 46, exemplifies this dedication, spending RM450 on four fruits, including a 2.7kg Old Ginger durian for RM190. Chandra, who moved to Penang in 2022, noted the distinct durian season on the island, with stalls offering six to eight varieties daily. He praised the Old Ginger variety, a rare clone from Balik Pulau, for its deep yellow flesh, intense bittersweet flavor, and aromatic fragrance, calling it the best he has tasted.

Azwan Mohed, a Balik Pulau durian seller for 10 years, explained that prices fluctuate with supply. While prices have dropped slightly from the previous month, they are expected to rise again as the season, which runs until August, progresses and supply diminishes. Musang King sells for RM15 to RM35 per kg, with premium AA-grade fruits commanding even higher prices.

Prices are a bit lower than last month. The season runs until August, so we expect prices from the orchards to rise again when supply drops.

— Azwan MohedExplaining durian price fluctuations in Penang.

Penang growers maintain premium prices due to exclusive Balik Pulau varieties such as Ang Jin (Red Yolk), Kun Poh (D164), Cheh Pui, and Ang Bak Kia. The wide variety available prevents oversupply of any single clone, which could depress prices. Mohed added that people travel to Penang specifically for these unique durians, making them willing to pay more.

We have rare varieties grown only in Balik Pulau, like Ang Jin (Red Yolk), Kun Poh (D164), Cheh Pui and Ang Bak Kia.

— Azwan MohedHighlighting the unique durian varieties found in Balik Pulau.

Orchard owner Tan Chee Keat, 35, highlighted that many Balik Pulau orchards use trash fish buried around durian trees as a natural fertilizer, a practice made feasible by their smaller orchard sizes. This natural method contrasts with the use of chemical fertilizers. A popular Penang retailer listed premium durians like Musang King at RM48 (grade A) per kg, with other varieties like Red Prawn, Hor Lor, and Golden Phoenix priced at RM28 per kg.

Our orchards are small so we can bury trash fish. Most of us don’t use chemical fertiliser.

— Tan Chee KeatExplaining the natural fertilization methods used in Balik Pulau orchards.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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