Tangkak: The durian collection centre in Tangkak is poised to significantly impact the durian market in Johor by addressing over-supply and dumping issues during peak seasons. State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip stated that the centre was developed through a collaboration with a private company from Selangor, which will utilize nitrogen freezing technology.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the centre is currently operating on a small scale. Once fully operational, it will pool durians from surrounding areas such as Segamat, Muar, and Tangkak for freezing or processing into products like paste and jam. The centre will purchase all durian grades, A, B, and C, ensuring that all local growers and operators can participate, thus enabling a more systematic marketing of agricultural produce throughout the year.

Zahari emphasized that this initiative is expected to stabilize durian prices by preventing a drop due to gluts and dumping during harvest seasons. By allowing fruits to be collected, stored, and released in stages throughout the year, the centre aims to maintain consistent market prices. Discussions are underway with farmers and manufacturers to establish fair pricing practices, ensuring smallholders are not disadvantaged.

The Johor government has allocated RM6.86 million to develop the fruit industry, which will benefit 474 farmers over approximately 2,000 hectares of land. Johor recorded a production of 189,787 metric tons of durians in 2024, involving more than 34,000 growers across the state. Furthermore, Johor plays a significant role in the country's durian exports, contributing 13 million kg last year, valued at RM339 million, with a substantial portion exported to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and over 10 other countries.

Among the popular durian varieties in Johor are Musang King, D13, IOI, Tekka, Black Thorn, Kim Hong, durian kampung, and several new varieties.