Durian 'Tsunami' Hits Malaysia as Oversupply Crashes Premium Fruit Prices

A glut of export rejects combined with a bumper harvest has triggered a dramatic price collapse for durian in Malaysia, with consumers flocking to stalls to purchase the prized Musang King variety for as little as RM9 (US$2.2) per kilogram. Enthusiasts crowded food halls and roadside vendors around Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, taking advantage of what has been dubbed a "durian tsunami" that has seen prices for some premium varieties fall by as much as 90%.

The spiky fruit is a staple across Southeast Asia, with Malaysia’s highly-regarded Musang King cultivar popular both domestically and in export markets, particularly China. The nation, which is currently in its peak harvest season, produces over 550,000 tonnes of durian annually. On Wednesday, reports confirmed the price of Musang King had plummeted from a typical RM90 per kilogram to as low as RM9. Local media also reported price drops for other varieties, such as Black Thorn.

"We learned from the industry that this year there would be a 'Musang King tsunami' -- and this is indeed the case," said Faisal Iswardi Ismail, a deputy director at Malaysia's Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority. Speaking to journalists, he added, "We hope prices can recover within the next few weeks."

At an event organised by the agricultural authority, customer Sik Siao Peng told AFP, "Malaysians are getting to enjoy cheaper durian... it makes us happy." In Segambut, about 10 kilometers from central Kuala Lumpur, an AFP correspondent observed crowds taking advantage of the low prices, with premium Black Thorn and Musang King selling for under RM25 per whole fruit and cheaper varieties offered in bulk at RM100 for a basket of seven.

However, traders expressed concern over the slump. Cheah Kim Wai, a manager at the DurianMan shop in Petaling Jaya, said "durians this year have become the cheapest they've been." While profits are not great, "we have to sell; business must go on," Cheah told AFP. He noted the positive side for consumers: "Durian really has become something ordinary people can afford to eat, priced like the old kampung (village) durians used to be."