By Sakini Mohd Said
KUALA LUMPUR: More than simply satisfying the appetite of durian lovers, this year’s durian season has become a platform for people from various backgrounds to gather, connect and share meaningful moments together.
Reflecting the spirit of the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2026 theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, the sharp decline in durian prices due to an oversupply has allowed more people to enjoy the king of fruits, which was once regarded as a luxury indulgence.
Beyond making premium durian varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn accessible to a wider segment of society, the season has also revived the cherished tradition of gathering with family, neighbours and friends to enjoy the seasonal delicacy, strengthening social bonds.
The trend has gained widespread attention on social media, with users sharing information on budget-friendly durian stalls, photographs of families enjoying the fruit together and stories of employers treating workers from diverse backgrounds to durians as a token of appreciation.
For Family Musang King owner Amirul Irfan Zulkipli, this year’s durian season has not only brought joy to customers, but has also generated abundant sustenance and business opportunities for traders.
“Orders have been very encouraging. Many employers are buying baskets of durian for their employees of different races. Although prices are lower this season, sales have increased significantly and our stocks are almost sold out every day,” he said.
He said the strong demand generated by lower prices had created a positive multiplier effect across the entire durian supply chain, from farmers and wholesalers to traders and consumers.
Musang King, previously sold for up to RM80 per kg, has become more affordable this season at around RM25 to RM30 per kg. Other premium varieties have also recorded significant price reductions, while some durian kampung are being sold for as low as RM1 each, further fuelling excitement among durian lovers.
Meanwhile, Dr Ima Liana Esa, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), said this year’s affordable durian season reflects a broader meaning of well-being that extends beyond purchasing power.
“Well-being is not only measured by income or economic figures, but also when more people are able to enjoy something that was once beyond their reach and share that happiness with others,” she said.
According to her, durian is more than just a fruit, as it can bring communities together regardless of race, religion, generation or economic background.
“When people gather at a stall or durian orchard, they do not look at each other’s backgrounds. They chat, laugh and enjoy durian together. These simple interactions help build trust, tolerance and a stronger spirit of togetherness in society,” he said.
He said the culture of sharing food has always been one of the simplest ways to build stronger relationships, with the tradition of buying or gifting durians to family, neighbours and friends reflecting the generosity and warmth that characterise Malaysians.
Meanwhile, the government has taken several measures to help farmers address the oversupply issue this season, enabling their produce to reach the market more efficiently while supporting their livelihoods.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), for instance, is targeting the direct purchase of 1,000 tonnes of durians worth RM7 million through its 42 operation centres nationwide, while several state governments are organising durian festivals to help market produce from smallholders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that he will raise the issue of declining durian prices with his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, during their meeting next month as part of efforts to expand Malaysia’s durian export market.
–BERNAMA
