【Kuala Lumpur】　Malaysian durian producers said that production of local durians are down 60% this year. They also voiced up their concerns about rising production cost and domestic prices.
 

According to Malaysian Insider (TMI), the durian harvest season which is usually around May has been experiencing heavy rainfalls, resulting in a 60-80% decline in the "Musang King" and "Blackthorn" variety in Penang, Johor, and Pahang.
Fertilizer prices have also been affected by the Russian and Ukraine situation and closure of Shanghai port which has been in a month-long lockdown due to country's zero-covid policy in attempt to contain the outspread Covid-19 virus. In addition to this, higher operating costs, labor shortages, increased transportation costs, and higher fuel and fertilizer prices are also inflating domestic prices furthermore.

 

　Heng Mee Oo, owner of Orcheeking Enterprise pointed out that due to bad weather conditions, durians harvested this year may only be at 2 tonnes compared to their usual 10 tonnes instead during harvest season. He also added that fertilizer prices have doubled to RM 6,000 per tonne from their normal price, and the price of "blackthorn" durians which are usually around RM 75-80  per kilogram, has risen to RM 100.

　Top Fruits managing director Tan Sue Sian said that frozen durian exports are expected to be 50% lower and local prices for "Musan King" to be higher at RM 60, despite durian exports having grown to RM145 million in 2020 compared to RM 69.9 million in 2016 (an increase of 107%).

Meanwhile, Eric Chan from Dulai Fruits Enterprise, expects a 30% dip in sales due to the Shanghai port closure, a part of China's lockdown movement in response to the country's zero-covid policy. This also comes due to uncertainties surrounding matters relating to logistics. 

（Malay Mail, 6th May）

Info Source：Asia Infonet