Kuala lumpur: A "giant durian wave" has led to a significant drop in durian prices across Malaysia. This phenomenon, described as a "durian tsunami," has resulted in an oversupply of premium durian varieties, causing a surge in purchases as prices plummet.

According to Thai News Agency, this price crisis is impacting all varieties of durians in the country. Local reports indicate that even native durians are being sold for as low as 0.50 ringgit, equivalent to 4-5 baht. The IOI and Red Prawn varieties have seen their prices fall to just 2 ringgit per fruit. Premium Musang King durians, previously priced at 90 ringgit, are now available for 6-9 ringgit, approximately 70 baht, marking a 90% price drop. Similarly, Black Thorn durians are being sold for less than 25 ringgit per fruit on the roadside. Some retailers are even offering promotions, such as baskets of 7 durians for only 100 ringgit.

The drastic reduction in durian prices is attributed to a simultaneous influx of durians flooding the market. Between 2015 and 2020, durian cultivation areas expanded significantly in Malaysia, resulting in peak production periods. Favorable weather conditions in several states contributed to this, pushing total production to exceed 550,000 tons annually. Additionally, premium-grade durians that failed to meet export standards were sold domestically at reduced prices.

While consumers in Malaysia and neighboring Singapore take advantage of these low prices at roadside stalls and durian buffets, small vendors and farmers face shrinking profits. Government agencies forecast that this price decline might continue until August, when market conditions are expected to gradually stabilize.