Durian lovers have noticed the elevated prices of their favorite fruit recently with prices for Musang King going for RM90 per kg in KL, while in PJ it’s going for RM60-RM68 per kg (in April).
Tan Wui Heong, a plantation owner at Karak, Pahang, gave some insight to the high prices being seen. If you look at the most popular type of durian right now which is Musang King, it can cost between RM90-RM100 per kg (if you buy in KL) because it is not in season, Wui Heong said. Compared to two years ago, the price was only half that at RM50 per kg during low production seasons, and if it’s in season the price will drop to RM30-RM40 per kg.
As Wui Heong explained, the price of durians is determined by demand and season. Another popular type of durian, the Thailand Hong Xia (aka red prawn) is only RM30 per kg because it is less in demand, he said. In terms of season, durians need long periods sunny days for the flower to bear fruit. It takes about 3-4 months for the flowers to develop into fruits. Two years ago, they had a great harvest, even better than the year before.
“So usually we get durians from May to August in West Malaysia, but this year, we have to wait until around November because of the rain.” – Wui Heong told us over the phone
1 RM = 0.23 USD
source: cilisos.my
