Overview
- In late June, a coincident peak harvest across Johor, Pahang, Perak and Penang produced an oversupply widely described as a “durian tsunami,” prompting rapid price collapses and crowds at stalls and orchards.
- The steepest falls hit lower‑grade fruit used for local sales, with reported bargains as low as RM0.50 per fruit and Musang King dropping into single‑digit ringgit figures, while export‑grade (A/AB) fruit has stayed relatively protected.
- Growers and vendors are using time‑sensitive clearance tactics such as pick‑your‑own bags, RM100 gunny sacks, livestream sales and orchard tours to avoid spoilage given durian’s short shelf life.
- Sellers in Singapore have reported smaller price declines because higher local costs, transport and taxes limit how low retail prices can fall, so Singapore prices are not matching Malaysia’s extreme lows.
- Industry groups trace the glut to large plantings planted between 2015 and 2020 coming into full production and say the oversupply is seasonal with prices likely to remain weak through the current season before a gradual recovery.