Time to feast on durians
BALIK PULAU: In stock market terms, it's a bear market for durians — and prices are dropping.
For durian lovers, it appears to be the ideal time to 'invest' and indulge as orchards here are reporting a glut.
'There is an abundant supply of Musang King and Black Thorn varieties this season, especially from orchards in Balik Pulau.
They are more affordable compared to previous weeks,' said durian seller Johan Abu Bakar.
He said that grade 'A' Musang King durians only cost about RM60 per kg now, down from RM80 normally.
The Black Thorn variety is available at RM75 per kg, much lower than the eye-watering RM120 before.
Johan, 41, said premium varieties are abundantly available here as the season reaches the halfway mark.
A check at several durian stalls here found that prices for Musang King and Black Thorn durians have dropped by about 30%.
Johan said that other durian varieties have also become much less expensive.
Among them are the Hor Lor, Red Prawn, Green Skin and Capri durians, with prices ranging from RM25 to RM40 per kg.
Durian seller Rushisham Md Zin, 43, said the drop in prices for premium varieties was partly due to the fruit being in season in other states as well.
'Supply from Johor, Pahang, Melaka and Perak has reached Penang. So, naturally, the prices of Balik Pulau durians will come down,' he said.
Penang Fruit Farmers Association president Kie Kim Hwa confirmed that durian prices have dropped significantly as the fruit season is at its peak.
'There's just so many fruits in the market right now.'
Kie said that now was the best time for durian lovers to indulge in the King of Fruits, which are in abundance with 'prices cheaper everywhere'.
He explained that durian sellers need to clear their stock fast or risk losing money.
'The season is expected to last until the end of the month.'
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