All hail the King of Fruits

Those who love durians will not hesitate to queue for hours just to get their hands on the most popular varieties. Those who loath it, however, swear they won’t go anywhere near the fruit because of its pungent smell, which has often been compared to raw sewage or stinky gym socks. But what’s clear these days is that the durian – an item banned in most public places – is fast becoming the new gold mine for investors.

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Tan Ai Leng

Published Fri, Aug 5, 2022 · 04:00 PM

With the growing demand for durians, it’s no surprise that investors are exploring all sorts of ways to get a slice of the pie for themselves, be it as a farm owner or a property agent of land that houses durian plantations. BT
The surging demand for the King of Fruits, there is no doubt that investors are looking for ways to be part of the business, whether to be a farm owner, property agent of durian plantation land or plantation scheme. BT FILE
E&A Plantations founder Alvin Chong said:”It is best to go back to basics when it comes to investing in durian plantation schemes – conduct your own due diligence.” PHOTO: E&A PLANTATIONS
Consumers queueing to buy durian at a fruit stall in SS2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. BT FILE
The King of Fruits has always never failed to attract its fans and followers during the “durian season” – which typically starts from June to August, and from November to January. BT FILE
The King of Fruits has garnered RM144.87 million in 2020, from RM69.9 million in 2016, making Malaysia the second largest durian exporter in the world Asia after Thailand. BT FILE
The extreme weather has affected durian production this year, coupled with the high demand from consumers, have pushed the price higher. BT FILE
A mature and healthy Musang King tree could yield 150 to 200 fruits a year but younger trees have lesser yield. E&A PLANTATIONS
Durian plantation land with matured trees and close to main roads are the most desirable by investors and could fetch a selling price of about RM1 million an acre. GREAT CASA REALTY

ON a humid Saturday afternoon in the middle of July, there are snaking queues at durian stalls scattered all over Petaling Jaya – one of Malaysia’s most populous cities in the state of Selangor – with people patiently waiting for their turn to buy the spiky-husked fruit.

This is far from an uncommon sight in the country, as the King of Fruits, as the durian is widely known, has never failed to draw crowds during its season, which typically starts from June to August each year and lasts until November to January.

Despite the ongoing concerns of higher inflation, soaring interest rates and a weaker ringgit, the demand and allure for durians remain as strong as ever.

Malaysia Agriculture/Farming Asean Asean Business

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