Massive sales of cheap durian bring smiles all around

Source: The Star

BALIK PULAU: Despite selling durian at a low price, the sheer volume of sales has kept seller Ismail Hasim Zakaria (pic) busy and happy.

His fresh cloned durians and high-quality kampung durians are sold for just RM6 per kg.

During this durian season, the 35-year-old moves between eight and 15 tonnes daily, ensuring small profits through a high turnover.

"I have my own orchard and suppliers as well. Some days, there is an overload of durians - they are ripening faster than expected.

"Honestly, it's a headache. If I don't sell them off by the end of the day, they would spoil and I would suffer a considerable loss.

"I need to 'get rid' of them fast as there will be more supply the next day. Why not sell it cheaper so that everyone can enjoy the fruit?" he said.

His stall on Jalan Teluk Kumbar here draws large crowds daily, drawn by the irresistible offer.

On days with lower supply, Ismail prices the King of Fruits at RM8 per kg. He also offers cloned durians for as low as RM2.40 to RM3 per kg, depending on the stock of the day.

"It is still tasty and I want people to be able to take it home and eat it without feeling the pinch in their pockets.

"I would usually throw in a few more durian kampung in their bags as well, for free.

"As I also offer dine-in at my stall, it is nice to see families sit and enjoy the fruit together," he added.

Ismail expects durian prices to drop by the end of the month or next month as it is a long season this year.

"The demand will taper off once people have to budget their daily expenses.

"For now, it can be costly if they want varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.

"Musang King is being sold for between RM25 and RM85 per kg, depending on the grade.

"I also sell a few others, with Hor Lor and Red Prawn being the most popular choices at the moment," he said.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the commencement of the Shenzhen-Penang direct flight route on July 27 aligns perfectly with Penang's third wave of durian harvests this year.

"It will be the perfect time for Chinese tourists to indulge in this delicacy," he said in a statement.

The first wave of durian harvests has begun, with the second wave expected to continue from mid-June to July.