With durian deluge, trader sells spiky gold for a steal

New Straits Times

5 days ago

JITRA: An excess of durians has prompted a durian trader to sell the fruit at bargain prices at his stall near the Kubang Lembu petrol station in Jitra.
Khairul Anuar Ahmad, better known as Harun Buah Jitra, auctions off kampung durian and hybrid durian varieties every evening at RM50 for three baskets, with a total weight of between 15kg and 20kg.
He said the move was necessary to prevent the fruits from going unsold and rotten.
Khairul said the auctions are held in the evening to coincide with the after-work crowd, typically around 5pm.
"I sell the durians at affordable prices so that everyone can enjoy the fruit during its peak season.
"Sometimes, I move up to 10 tonnes of durian a day — all sold out within two hours. Thankfully, the demand has been very encouraging.
"There's currently a large supply of kampung durians from Balik Pulau in Penang and Perak, which has led to an oversupply.
"That's why I've chosen to hold auctions to clear the stock. People from all walks of life come to buy here," he said.
Khairul added that many of his customers also contribute to charitable causes by purchasing durians for donation to those in need.
In addition, he donates durians to orphanages and non-governmental organisations to ensure that everyone, regardless of their status, can enjoy the king of fruits.
He said he sources between eight and 10 tonnes of durians daily from Penang or Perak for sale at his stall.
"If customers buy in bulk, we'll throw in extra fruits, especially if it's for a kenduri or donation.
"Besides kampung durian, we also sell other varieties such as IOI, Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn, D2, and D24 — all at reasonable and competitive prices. Most of the durians sold here are locally grown," he said.