Musang King Auctioned At RM5 To RM15, Grade A Only RM20 Per Kilogram

GUA MUSANG: An oversupply of Musang King durians in this district has caused a sharp drop in prices of the prized fruit.

Based on a survey, Grade A Musang King is being sold as low as RM20 per kilogram, far lower than the previous RM40 to RM90 per kilogram.

Durian trader Kweh Tieok Eng, 66, said the drop in price of the prized fruit occurred following an oversupply from farmers around this district.

For this year alone, he said up to 10 farmers had asked him to sell their respective Musang King harvests, compared to previously only two or three farmers.

“The price of each fruit varies depending on grade and size. I also auction Musang King at prices as low as RM5 to RM15, while freshly fallen fruits are sold at RM20 per kilogram for Grade A.

“Despite the oversupply, demand for Musang King remains high, as I can sell between 100 to 200 kilograms (kg) per day,” said the trader who has been in business for 10 years.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zuhairi Hashim, 34, said demand for various types of durians, including Musang King, Duri Hitam, IOI and kampung varieties, has also increased along with the drop in durian prices.

He said his sales of various durian types reached up to 4,500 kg per day.

“The drop in durian prices this season is also a major factor in the increase in sales, attracting more customers to buy in larger quantities.

“The abundant durian supply this year allows the public to enjoy premium durians or ‘prized durians’ at affordable prices.

“The oversupply of durians allows customers to buy prized durians such as Musang King, Duri Hitam and IOI. The price of Musang King durians at my shop ranges from RM8 to RM19 per kilogram, while kampung durians are sold at RM3.50 per kilogram,” he said.

Berita Harian