KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s premium durian prices have remained stable despite reports of a price drop in Peninsular Malaysia, said State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
Jamawi said that while there has been widespread reporting on falling prices of premium durians such as Musang King and Black Thorn in the peninsula due to oversupply, the situation in Sabah is different.
“There have been reports in the media that premium durian prices have declined in the peninsula.
"However, in Sabah, prices are still holding steady at around RM45 per kilogram at the farm gate for Grade A, while Grade B and C are fetching about RM35 per kilogram,” he said after launching Sabah Rubber Indurstry Board's 25 years Strategic Plan at Wisma Pertanian here.
He said that the price drop in the peninsula was mainly due to an oversupply of lower-grade durians.
Jamawi added that Sabah’s premium durian industry continues to benefit from export demand, particularly for higher-grade fruit.
“I would like to encourage farmers, especially those interested in cultivating premium durians such as Musang King, to remain confident. The export market for Grade A and B durians remains strong,” he said.
“For Sabah, Grade C durians and those below are still within a price range that allows farmers to make a profit,” he said.
Last month, Jamawi said that the ministry aims to alleviate poverty in Sabah by encouraging the cultivation of premium durian varieties.
A mature durian tree can produce approximately 50 fruits, averaging two kilograms each. At current market rates, this can generate an income of over RM4,000 per tree.
The Melalap assemblyman said export potential, particularly to China, demanding yield from at least 4,046 hectares of plantation.
However, current statistics show that Sabah has only 2,023 hectares planted, with only 324 hectares currently matured and producing fruit.
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