Malaysia durian market hit by oversupply, price collapse and crop losses

Award‑winning family farm Durian Kaki in Penang, run by third‑generation farmer Tan Chee Keat, recently secured halal certification and celebrated victories for its Raja Kunyit and Kulit Hijau varieties. Chee Keat highlighted the farm’s 40‑hectare orchard and the role of mature trees in producing high‑quality fruit.

At the same time, durian growers across Malaysia are grappling with a surge of supply. Farmers such as Chong Yok Fon in Gua Musang reported discarding about one tonne of fruit each week as hot weather and strong winds cause premature dropping and rapid spoilage. "If the fruit falls on the ground it quickly rots and becomes unsuitable for sale," he said.

The glut has driven retail prices down dramatically, with premium Musang King and Black Thorn varieties now selling for as low as RM10–RM15 per kilogram and some grades reaching RM1 per kilogram. Traders attribute the slump to expanded planting of premium varieties in states like Pahang, Johor, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as tighter export standards imposed by China. The situation forces growers to cut prices or sell fruit to processors to avoid waste.