ISSUE OF MUSANG KING IN MALAYSIA

MUSANG KING (Durio zibethinus) is the most premium durian variety in Malaysia but recently bya end 2025 and early 2026 the price of durians has fallen by as much as RM10 per kologram over the past two weeks ia a rare a phenomenon described by traders as highly unusual for this season of the 'King of fruits' has reported. A claim by Romi Hidayat who has been in the durian business for almost a decade, said the current season is unlike any he has seen before. He also mentioned that traditionally, demand for durians slows at the end of the year due to the holiday season and school expenses, but this year, prices have dropped sharply due to a glut of fruit, encouraging consumers to spend again. Previously the grade A Musang King, which is usually sold at RM65 to RM75 per kg can now be found for around RM25 to RM35 per kg. The drop has also affected other grades, such as Grade B and C Musang King, which are selling at RM15 to RM25 per kg compared with RM45 to RM55 previously, making durians more affordable. Some small Musang King fruits are even selling for as little as RM5 each in which is extremely rare. Added for Duri Hitam variety normally priced at RM65 to RM85 per kg, are now selling for RM20 to RM35, whereas in the off-season, prices can reach RM125 per kg, making this price drop particularly drastic. He attributed the fall in prices to supply and demand factors, as durians from multiple states ripened simultaneously while consumers were spending less. He said to avoid a further glut, farmers had to lower prices to clear their stock. As a trader, he happy to sell durians at affordable prices so more people can enjoy them, even though they were previously considered expensive. At the same time, I sympathise with farmers because the cost of cultivating quality durians is high and based on experience, the situation is likely temporary, and prices may return to normal in the next season. He hope durian prices can remain at a reasonable level where everyone benefits, farmers earn a profit, traders continue to do business, and customers are satisfied. Meanwhile, a trader who wished to be known as Amran said he had decided not to sell durians this season due to the very low prices and if he were to sell, the risk is high because the supply is too large and prices have fallen. He later decided to take a break temporarily. I may resume selling next season depending on the conditions. Report from the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) in a statement said that durian production is currently high because most states in Malaysia are in the harvesting period. The hot weather between May and July contributed to higher yields towards the end of 2025. However, not all durians can be widely marketed as export markets only accept fruit meeting premium grade standards. It said that end-of-year demand is usually lower compared with mid-year because consumer spending is prioritised for other needs such as school preparations, Ramadan, and Hari Raya celebrations in the following year. Durian consumption tends to decline because it is considered a delicacy rather than a daily necessity. This blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" discussed about issue on Musang King durian proce in Malaysia recently.

Selecting the best Musang King (D197) in Malaysia requires evaluating physical authenticity, ripeness, and the specific region of cultivation. In 2026, it remains the gold standard of Malaysian durians, recognized for its complex bittersweet profile. Criteria for Physical Authenticity Markers whereby to ensure you are buying a genuine Musang King rather than a substitute, look for these distinctive traits and the bottom Star: A prominent, bald, five-pointed star-shaped pattern at the base of the fruit. The spike Shape or the the thorns are large, pyramid-shaped, and relatively blunt compared to other varieties. For stem characteristics actually look for a long stem with a smooth, bald ring where it meets the thorns. The husk color are typically a dusky or light grayish green. About the criteria of Flesh and Flavor Quality where the sensory experience is the ultimate test of a high-quality Musang King:Color are the flesh must be a vibrant, deep golden yellow (resembling butter or turmeric). For the texture it should be extremely thick, creamy, and smooth, with a distinct 'shrink-wrapped' appearance over the seeds. The taste profile stated that a complex balance of intense sweetness followed by a lingering bitter finish. For the seed size with high-quality specimens typically have 'shrunken' or flat seeds, meaning there is more flesh to consume. Criteria for Determining Ripeness where the Shake Test and when shaken, you should feel a slight movement or hear a dull 'thump,' indicating the flesh has loosened from the shell and is ripe. For the Aroma: It should have a fresh, sweet, and rich scent. If the smell is faint, it is likely unripe; if it smells sour or overly alcoholic, it may be overripe. About the Weight if comparing two fruits of similar size, the lighter one is generally better as it indicates less water content and more mature flesh. The best criteria are the Origin Matters while Musang King is grown across Malaysia, certain regions are renowned for producing superior quality at Raub and Bentong, Pahang. This durian widely considered the premier source due to the hilly terrain and ideal soil conditions in which produce more intense flavor profiles.
Gua Musang, Kelantan reported the early original home of the variety, still known for traditional, high-quality yields. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,
Malaysia.

(January 2026).