Durians in Malaysia have been becoming cheaper over the past two weeks due to a fall in demand from China, CNA reported.
This was following the novel coronavirus outbreak that has paralysed the tourism sector and associated industries, as travellers from China have been denied entry into countries around the world.
50% cheaper
CNA reported that Malaysian farmers said orders from China have slowed as the country's logistics industry has been disrupted and the lockdowns across multiple cities have stymied the desire for durians.
People in China are reportedly also having less mood for durian, as it is a social food for gatherings and mass consumption -- a no-no these days as bodily fluids are responsible for the coronavirus spread.
A Malaysian durian plantation owner, Lim Chin Khee said: “Durians are a luxury food, and are best enjoyed in happier times. Maybe now is not the best time to eat durians together in big groups.”
A durian farmer in Johor quoted by CNA said prices have fallen by 50 percent.
The highest grade Musang King variant has dropped from RM60 (US$14.50) to RM30 per kg in Raub, Pahang.
Raub town is widely considered as Malaysia’s durian capital, blessed with conditions to grow Musang King.
Durian could make its way to Singapore
Excess durians, therefore, might find their way to Singapore, as durian farmers are looking to sell their stock locally or export them to Singapore.
Durians form the backbone of agricultural export for Malaysia.
Total durian export accounts for 6.8 percent of the durian production in Malaysia, CNA reported.
Since May 2011, Malaysia began exporting frozen, vacuum-packed durian pulp, with husk removed, to China.
In May 2019, China officially permitted the import of frozen whole durians from Malaysia.
Malaysia’s exports of frozen whole durians to China were expected to reach 1,000 metric tonnes every month.
But durian sellers remain hopeful as the coronavirus may pass just in time for peak durian season.
Peak season for durian is from April to August every year.
Excess stock need not go to waste at the moment as durians can now be stored in liquid nitrogen freezers for up to two years to maintain their freshness, exporters said.
Top photo via Pixabay