Prices of Durians Expected to Drop More Than 60% Due to M’sia’s MCO

When was the last time you had durian?

Many of us have stayed indoors so long that we’ve forgotten what our favourite fruit looks, smells, and tastes like.

Like a long-lost love, all of us hope to be reunited with durian someday when the Covid-19 pandemic dies down and the world returns to normal.

And not only will it be an incredibly satisfying moment for your mouth, but your wallet will be happy too.

Prices of Durians Expected to Drop More Than 60% Due to M’sia’s MCO

The Covid-19 pandemic has ruined many things for us, but it might just help us get our hands on more durians.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, supply is expected to outweigh demand for the durian, which means the price will be much lower, reported The Star.

Durian trader Tan Chee Keat said that the price of the beloved Musang King could drop more than 60% now.

“I think the Musang King will probably cost between RM20 and RM35 (S$6.50 and S$11.40) per kg, which is way cheaper than in previous years.

“At one time Musang King cost around RM60 per kilo in the market, ” he said, adding that the peak season was expected to be in mid-May.

Cheap durian? Is this the real life?

Durian orchard owner Ng Wei Dave also said that the popular “604” variety could now cost RM20 to RM25 per kg, compared to about RM45 per kg in the market last year.

That’s a drop of almost S$6.50 per kg. 

Traders Forced To Do Online Delivery

Consumers might be cheering, but it’s not great news for traders.

Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, people are stuck indoors, and many durian traders have had to switch to online delivery services as a result.

Durian seller L.Y. Ang, for example, said the sales of durian would drop by at least 60% this year due to the MCO and the oversupply of the fruit.

He said he tried providing online delivery services last year but only earned 5% of the total sales.

Plus, are our grandfathers and grandmothers really going to order durians online?

Grandpa: Online? I’m buying durian not a cupboard

Kid: There’s a lockdown, grandpa, so ordering online is safer.

Grandpa: Aiyah, in my day, people still went out during lockdowns

Kid: You didn’t even have lockdowns in your day

Grandpa: Don’t talk back ah

As Ang said: “Many customers who order via delivery are the younger ones because the older generation is not as tech-savvy.

“If the MCO is not lifted by May, our business will be badly affected, ” he said.

Prepare Your Mouths

Now you might be happy enough to eat any old durian that you find rolling around on the street because it’s been so long since you tasted the creamy fruit.

But in addition to being cheap, you can be assured that it will be very tasty too.

“This year, not only will there be more durian but the quality will be good too because of the long hot spell, ” Tan said.

In the meantime, while we wait for these precious durians to reach our mouths, remember to maintain good hygiene, stay at home for as much as possible, as practise safe distancing when you go out.

Malaysia’s MCO is scheduled to end on 28 April, though it’s been extended twice and could be extended again, depending on the situation.