Durian prices stable in Penang despite glut elsewhere, says Fama

PETALING JAYA: Durian prices have remained stable in Penang, which has not experience a durian glut as in several states, according to Fama, the federal agricultural marketing authority.

“Although there is a slight oversupply, the impact in Penang is not significant because only about 30% of the production consists of kampung durian,” said Penang Fama director Hafiz Nurulhuda after the opening of the Penang durian festival in Nibong Tebal.

Hafiz said prices of premium varieties such as ‘Black Thorn’ and ‘Musang King’ remain stable at between RM30 and RM40 per kg.

Penang’s durian output is expected to exceed 18,000 metric tonnes this year, compared with about 17,000 metric tonnes last year, and Fama is stepping up its seasonal intervention plan to ensure local durian is marketed efficiently during the peak season from June to August, he said.

To support growers, Fama is buying durians through a forward agreement involving about 85 metric tonnes. “If the price of kampung durian falls below RM2.70 per kg, Fama will buy it at the floor price,” he said.

Two temporary collection centres have been set up in Balik Pulau on the island and in Seberang Jaya, which have marketed about 50 tonnes of durian this season. The agency has also supplied 310 tonnes of durian to its marketing outlets and expanded direct sales to the Klang Valley.

Hafiz said Fama is also developing agro-tourism projects and upgrading orchard facilities to strengthen Penang’s position as a leading premium durian destination.