BUKIT MERTAJAM: There has been no durian glut currently in Penang even with a bumper crop this year as they are being sold at affordable prices, including the highly sought after Musang King.

Deputy Agricultural and Food Industry Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah said the ministry had initially expected a drop of 30 to 40 per cent in durians this season due to uncertain weather.

"But our checks revealed several areas, especially in Penang and Perak where bumper crops of various varieties of durian had occurred, but there have been no reports of any gluts as they are being sold at affordable prices.

"It looks like we were wrong about the estimated drop in durian harvest, as we lacked the data, but what can be said about this harvest is that it is bountiful as there are Musang King on sale at affordable prices due to increased production," he told reporters after officiating the Penang Federal Agricultural Marketting Authority (FAMA) Fest 2022 here yesterday.

Ahmad said the selling price for Musang King had also dropped to between RM30 and RM35 per kilogramme (kg) compared to the previous RM50 and RM70 per kg.

Meanwhile, he said that the five-day fest that began yesterday was aimed to help provide more market opportunities for entrepreneurs to promote their agrofood products.

"The availability of such market areas for entrepreneurs and visitors is a continuous effort of the ministry, through FAMA to ensure the country's food security," he added.

-- BERNAMA