The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is pushing harder with its 2026 Seasonal Fruits Marketing and Intervention Plan in Penang, ensuring local durian reaches buyers efficiently during the peak season from June to August.
Penang FAMA director Mohd Hafiz Nurulhuda said the plan tackles the impact of excess supply as major durian-producing states gear up for higher output this year.
Penang’s durian production is expected to top 18,000 metric tonnes, up from roughly 17,000 metric tonnes last year.
“Although there is a slight oversupply, the impact in Penang is not significant because only about 30 per cent of the production consists of kampung durian,” he said after the opening of the Penang Durian Festival and the launch of the Road to MAHA 2026 programme by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at Masjid Al-Rasyidin in Nibong Tebal on 28 JUNE.
Premium varieties such as Black Thorn and Musang King remain stable at RM30 to RM40 per kilogramme, Mohd Hafiz added.
To shield growers from price drops, FAMA is buying durians through a forward agreement covering about 85 metric tonnes. If the price of kampung durian falls below RM2.70 per kilogramme, FAMA will step in to buy at that floor price.
The agency has set up two temporary collection centres in Balik Pulau and Seberang Jaya, which have already marketed about 50 metric tonnes of durian this season. A further 310 metric tonnes have been supplied to FAMA marketing outlets, with direct sales expanded to the Klang Valley.
Mohd Hafiz said FAMA is also developing agro-tourism projects and upgrading orchard facilities to strengthen Penang’s position as a leading premium durian destination.
Source: Bernama
