KUALA LUMPUR May 15, 2026: Musang King durians, once regarded as Malaysia’s most premium durian variety, are experiencing a sharp price decline, with prices dropping to as low as RM10 per kilogram amid a nationwide oversupply. The glut has significantly impacted growers, forcing many to abandon traditional wholesale channels and sell directly to consumers to remain financially viable.
Oversupply Drives Prices Down
The current situation is largely attributed to the simultaneous fruiting of Musang King trees planted during the peak of the variety’s popularity several years ago. As supply now exceeds demand, prices have fallen across all grades.
According to Che Tat Durian Segamat owner Muhamad Noriman Haikal Mohd Nazri, Musang King prices have declined sharply despite unchanged production costs.
“Musang King Grade A, which previously fetched RM60 to RM75 per kg, is now selling for RM45 to RM50. Lower grades can go as low as RM10 per kg depending on quality and size,” he said.
Current Musang King Market Prices
| Grade | Previous Price (RM/kg) | Current Price (RM/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 60 – 75 | 45 – 50 |
| Grade B | 30 – 40 (est.) | ~18 |
| Grade C / Small-sized | 20 – 25 (est.) | 10 – 11 |
Prices vary by location and quality
Rising Costs, Shrinking Margins
Despite falling market prices, production and maintenance costs remain high. Farmers report that a single Musang King tree costs approximately RM600 per year to maintain, including:
- Fertiliser
- Pesticides
- Water supply
- Labour wages
- Orchard maintenance
In Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, orchard owner Mun Jing Chew has resorted to roadside sales, offering small-sized Musang King at RM10 per kg.
Although daily sales can reach RM15,000, he noted that this amount barely covers annual operating costs of RM200,000 to RM300,000.
Disease Adds to Industry Pressure
Growers are also grappling with tiger stripe disease, which has reduced fruit quality and yield in some orchards.
Lim Kim Chooi, owner of a 0.8-hectare Musang King orchard in Damak, said the situation is unsustainable.
“With fertilisation, insect control, disease management, and worker wages, prices below RM20 per kg result in losses,” he said.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
The price collapse has sparked concerns that Musang King may lose its exclusive appeal. Consumers are increasingly turning to alternative durian varieties, including:
- Duri Hitam
- Duri Jering Sembilan
- Tupai King
These varieties are gaining traction as consumers seek quality and novelty beyond Musang King.
Key Takeaways
- Musang King prices have fallen by up to 80% in some cases
- Oversupply from maturing orchards is the primary cause
- Production costs remain high, squeezing farmer margins
- Disease and labour costs worsen the situation
- Market dynamics may lead to a rebalancing of Malaysia’s durian industry
Conclusion
The dramatic drop in Musang King prices marks a turning point for Malaysia’s durian sector. While consumers benefit from lower prices, growers face mounting financial pressure. Industry players warn that without better crop planning, diversification, and disease management, similar cycles could affect other durian varieties in the future.
