PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers remain optimistic about the price and availability of the “king of fruits”, following the new agreement allowing fresh durian exports to China.

Durian lover Janet Wong believes the export deal will not significantly impact local durian prices.

“I don’t think exporting fresh durians to China will affect local prices because durian prices are rising anyway.

“I am willing to buy it at a higher price. When I really crave durian, I will buy durian regardless of the price,” she said.

The 26-year-old marketing executive also dismissed concerns about reduced availability of durian in Malaysia.

“China has been importing Malaysian durians for a long time, and I believe the supply of durians in Malaysia will not be affected.

“The quality of local durian would remain unchanged and might even improve as farmers could be motivated to produce better durian to increase business with China,” she said.

Wong expressed optimism for the durian market, hoping for quality improvements as the durian trade between Malaysia and China grows stronger.

Another durian lover, Elisha Easter, 24, echoed Wong’s sentiment about price increases but viewed it as a positive indicator of the demand of Malaysian high quality durian.

“The export of fresh durian to China might increase local prices in Malaysia.

“However, this is an indicator of our durian’s high quality, boosting our pride in local produce,” she said.

Elisha said it’s important to support the local durian industry despite potential price hikes.

“Even if prices increase due to higher demand from China, many Malaysians including myself would still be willing to buy durian. Supporting our local durian industry is important, and enjoying a good durian is worth the cost.

“Exporting durian might reduce local availability but it’s a sign of our durian’s international recognition. We can be proud that our durian is appreciated worldwide, and I believe local farmers will adapt to meet both domestic and international demand.

“This can encourage better farming practices and potentially increase durian production, benefiting both local consumers and the economy. This is a great opportunity for our durian industry to grow and thrive,” said Elisha.

But other durian lovers are worried.

“The export of fresh durian to China will definitely affect prices of durian in Malaysia. The price will increase when there is a low supply of durian but a high demand among Malaysians,” said Ras Atiqah, 31, from Perak.

Although Ras Atiqah remains a devoted durian fan, she acknowledged that higher prices might lead her to consume the fruit less frequently.

She also expressed concern about the impact on tourists, stating, “Durian is a fruit we hold in high regard and is a major attraction for tourists. Reduced availability will lead to dissatisfaction among both locals and tourists.

“Therefore, the government needs to manage this properly,” she added.

Meanwhile, Serafina Liew Yeng Hsing, 22, is convinced that local durian price could be affected by the volume of durian export to China.

“If China’s demand increases significantly, we might have to pay higher prices due to insufficient supply,” she said.

Liew, unlike Wong and Elisha, is not willing to pay exorbitant prices for durian.

“If the price increase isn’t too substantial, then I would still consider eating local durian as a treat, but it really depends on how high the price increases,” she explained.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/26/msians-hopeful-china-deal-will-not-impact-prices