Malaysia is currently experiencing a massive durian oversupply, causing prices to plunge to record lows and triggering a buying frenzy among consumers.
At a durian stall in Bangi, Selangor, customers have been queuing up in large numbers to snap up cheap durians, with some varieties selling for as little as RM0.50 (around S$0.15) each. According to sellers, prices may fall even further, potentially reaching RM0.20 (around S$0.06) per fruit within the next 10 days.
Multiple Harvest Seasons Collide, Flooding The Market
Durian seller Hafiz explained that June has become an unusually busy period because several durian-producing regions are harvesting at the same time.
Durians from Penang, Perak, Johor and Melaka are arriving alongside imported Thai durians, creating an overwhelming supply that has driven prices down across the board.
Typically, Thai durians enter the market around April, while Penang’s durian season begins in May. However, Penang’s harvest was delayed this year, causing its supply to overlap with other states.
The result is a market saturated with durians, forcing traders to slash prices to move stock quickly.
Sellers Launch Aggressive Promotions
To cope with the oversupply, vendors have introduced various promotions to attract customers.
Current deals include:
- RM0.50, RM1 and RM2 promotional durians
- Bulk packages such as 10kg for RM50 (around S$15.90)
- Discounted varieties including IOI and Red Prawn
Hafiz said consumers should not be surprised if prices continue falling.
“Durian at 20 sen each is possible, especially during the peak supply period over the next 10 days,” he said.
However, he expects prices to recover slightly once production slows down before potentially dropping again in mid-July when another wave of supply enters the market.
Why Are Sellers Cutting Prices So Drastically?
Hafiz stressed that traders are not intentionally damaging the durian industry.
Instead, they are trying to prevent massive wastage.
Unlike many fruits, durians have an extremely short shelf life and cannot be stored for long periods. If prices remain high, sales slow down and unsold fruits quickly become losses for both farmers and vendors.
“We want consumers to enjoy durians while avoiding unnecessary waste,” he explained.
He added that farmers have little choice but to follow market prices because every day’s inventory needs to be cleared quickly.
Although profit margins have shrunk, vendors can still earn reasonable profits if they manage their stock efficiently and minimise spoilage.
Consumers Travel Long Distances For Cheap Durians
The bargain prices have attracted buyers from all over Klang Valley.
One customer, Zunar, drove approximately 30 minutes from Bukit Jalil after hearing about the promotions.
“I heard the durians here were cheap and there were special offers, so I decided to come and try,” he said.
He admitted he mainly came to queue for the 50-cent promotional durians and usually does not buy large quantities.
Another customer from Serdang said he initially stopped by after noticing a huge crowd.
He described the durians as both affordable and tasty, adding that he would happily return if prices dropped to 20 sen per fruit.
Durian Season Expected To Last Until Early September
According to Hafiz, Malaysia’s local durian season generally lasts around three months.
This year’s season is expected to continue until the end of August and could extend into early September.
Once supplies begin to taper off, prices are expected to stabilise.
For now, however, consumers can continue enjoying one of the cheapest durian seasons Malaysia has seen in recent years.