Low Chee Leong, deputy chairman of Melaka’s rural development, agriculture and food security committee, said the proposed durian supermarket in Kota Laksamana would provide a centralized marketplace for orchard owners and traders to sell sought-after cultivars to tourists, The Star newspaper reported.
The initiative is intended to strengthen Melaka’s tourism sector while helping local growers cope with an unprecedented oversupply that has significantly reduced prices, even for premium durians.
A worker shows a Musang King, a popular variety of durian, at a shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 8, 2020. Photo by AFP |
Musang King durians sold for about RM60 (US$19) per kilogram two years ago, making them a luxury for many consumers. This season, however, prices have plunged to around RM10 per kilogram, fueling a surge in durian feasts across Malaysia, The Straits Times reported.
“We must capitalize on these exceptionally low prices, especially for premium durians, to attract visitors from Singapore and other countries,” Leong said as quoted by The Star.
Durian season in Malaysia typically starts around June or July, and could last until September.
The Southeast Asian country launched Asia’s first durian experience center in Kuala Lumpur on July 7.
Since 2024, Malaysia has introduced durian-themed tour packages that take visitors to orchards while offering activities such as glamping and jungle trekking.
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