Great taste and price: Durian prices are still good for both farmers, traders and consumers, said Leong.
RAUB: The general election has been a boon as more people are coming here to savour Raub’s famous Musang King durian, which is in season now.
Durian traders said that the first election “super weekend” would see more of the thorny but creamy fruit being snapped up by campaigners, election workers and visitors.
Raja Lee, a trader based in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, said durians are in season now, at reasonable prices.
“Durian lovers will certainly make that trip in search of the king of fruits.
“Those who know or are near wouldn’t mind dropping by Raub, which is not very far from the city centre.
“For me, I prefer to sell at a bargain. The prices of Musang King Grades AA to A, B and C now range from RM28 to RM58 per kg.
“People can still enjoy the fruit at a reasonable price,” he said when met while making a bulk purchase in Kampung Sungai Ruan here.
Durian supplier and reseller Lew Chee Leong, 34, from Kampung Sungai Klau, said he has received more orders for premium grade Musang King whole fruits or pulp from political parties or party workers since nomination day on Nov 5.
“Some also ordered other varieties such as D24 and the rare Black Thorn.
“As election fever catches on, we are certain more will be looking for our durians,” he said.
In Raub, Lew said Tras and Sungai Klau produce mostly Musang King durians, followed by D24 and some Black Thorn.
He said the top export-quality Grade AA Musang King is sold at about RM60 per kg in Raub now.
“The Grade C fruit is priced around RM30 per kg, which is still okay for farmers.”
He added that the lower grade did not mean inferior quality or taste.
“A fruit is graded high when it’s round and big and has more locules, which means more pulp.
“Any Grade AA Musang King must have at least four locules,” he said, adding that lower grade durians often have irregular shapes and sizes or part of it has been eaten by insects.
Having hosted many durian lovers who did not mind paying a premium for the heavenly king of fruits, Lew said the season is expected to last until the end of the month or early next month.
His friend, Leong Bing, 37, from Sungai Ruan, said durian prices are still good for farmers, traders and consumers this season.
“People can still enjoy premium durians according to what they can afford.
“Those who have not tried the fruit should do so before the season ends,” he added.
Having been trading durians since he was 15, Leong said he hopes the new elected reps would assist farmers and defend their rights while developing sustainable agriculture in Raub.
