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The Melaka state government is exploring plans to establish the historic city as a premier durian tourism hub, proposing a dedicated one-stop supermarket in Kota Laksamana
The planned initiative aims to provide a centralised platform for local orchard owners and traders to market premium cultivars, including Musang King, Black Thorn, and Hor Lor (D163), to tourists and fruit enthusiasts, according to The Star.
Crucially, the facility seeks to help the agricultural sector navigate an unprecedented nationwide durian oversupply that has driven down prices across all grades.
Low Chee Leong, the deputy chairman of the Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture, and Food Security Committee, explained that the retail hub will significantly strengthen the state's agro-tourism offerings
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, 12 July, Low expressed confidence that Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh will incorporate innovative features to transform the supermarket into a major tourist draw.
By consolidating sales in a primary venue, local orchard owners can work alongside traders to market their harvests more effectively while building a stronger regional identity for Melaka's durian sector.
The proposed hub comes as local traders voice deep concern over an extraordinary harvest surge across the country, primarily triggered by orchards throughout the southern region producing fruit simultaneously.
This simultaneous harvest cycle, referred to by industry players as a 'durian tsunami', has caused retail prices for even top-tier varieties to drop sharply. Describing the current supply saturation as unprecedented, Low noted that vendors worry the market glut could persist into the next harvesting season if production patterns remain unchanged.
Image used for illustration purposes only.
Image via Gu Bra/PexelsTo counter the market slump, state authorities intend to capitalise on the exceptionally low prices to draw international visitors, particularly culinary tourists from Singapore and neighbouring nations
In a related development, FAMA is targeting direct purchases of 1,000 tonnes of durian worth RM7 million through 42 operational centres nationwide. It has also opened fruit sales locations and supported entrepreneurs who help absorb excess supply.
The agency is also looking at expanding exports to markets such as Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Japan, while strengthening traceability, grading, packaging, and labelling systems.
