Kuala lumpur: The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is stepping up its 2026 Seasonal Fruits Marketing and Intervention Plan in Penang to ensure local durian is marketed efficiently during the peak season from June to August. Penang FAMA director Mohd Hafiz Nurulhuda stated that the plan aims to reduce the impact of excess supply following higher production in major durian-producing states.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang's durian output is expected to exceed 18,000 metric tonnes this year, compared with about 17,000 metric tonnes last year. Although there is a slight oversupply, the impact in Penang is not significant because only about 30 percent of the production consists of kampung durian. This was revealed 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.

Mohd Hafiz mentioned that prices of premium varieties such as 'Black Thorn' and 'Musang King' remain stable at between RM30 and RM40 per kilogramme. To support growers, FAMA is buying durians through a forward agreement involving about 85 metric tonnes. If the price of kampung durian falls below RM2.70 per kilogramme, FAMA will buy it at the floor price.

FAMA has also established two temporary collection centres in Balik Pulau and Seberang Jaya, which have marketed about 50 metric tonnes of durian this season. The agency has supplied 310 metric tonnes of durian to its marketing outlets and expanded direct sales to the Klang Valley.

Mohd Hafiz added that FAMA is also developing agro-tourism projects and upgrading orchard facilities to strengthen Penang's position as a leading premium durian destination.