Lower durian prices expected as supply floods market next month, says seller
Checks around Sentul showed several stalls beginning to draw crowds as early as noon, especially city dwellers making the most of the weekend to indulge in their favourite fruit.
Durian seller Muhd Khairul, 34, who has been in the business for over eight years, described this year's harvest as the beginning of a "major season" expected to peak between July and August.
"Customers have already started coming, especially looking for Udang Merah and IOI durians.
"Prices have dropped slightly. There was a time when Musang King reached up to RM190 per kg.
"But there are also more affordable options depending on the grade and size," he said when met at his stall.
He added that prices at the start of the season tend to be higher but usually fall as the supply increases during the peak period.
"I don't own an orchard, so I source all my durians from regular suppliers in Johor and Pahang.
"If the wholesale price drops, we'll run promotions.
"I follow market prices and will lower them for customers whenever I can," he said.
Aiman Junaidi, 20, who works at a durian stall, said the varieties available include Musang King, IOI, D24, Kampung, and Udang Merah with Musang King being the top seller since the stall opened earlier this month.
"Musang King is definitely the most in demand, followed by D24, which has been selling well all week.
"Prices are still a little high now but are expected to drop during the peak season in July.
"Still, we're running various promotions, including kampung durians priced from as low as RM60 per plastic bag," he said.
Shahidatul Nadia, 36, said she never misses durian season and described this year as one of the most vibrant in recent memory.
"I'm a big fan of durians, especially Udang Merah because it's richer and has a bold flavour.
"This year, there's more variety and prices are more reasonable, so I'm really satisfied," she said.
She added that she prefers eating durians fresh at stalls with her family, as it offers a livelier experience that is unique to the durian season.
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