17 hours ago
Dearer durians due to unfavourable weather, smaller harvest
Wong (third from right) checking out the varieties of durian supplied by a Balik Pulau vendor at the event. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
WITH strong demand and unfavourable weather resulting in more costly durians this year, indulging in the thorny fruit can burn a hole in the pocket.
This makes community durian parties – like the one organised by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng – a great opportunity to feast to the heart's content.
A Balik Pulau farm supplied roughly 450kg of the 'King of Fruits' for the event that was held at the Penang Youth Centre hall in Acheh Street, George Town.
Around 150 guests attended, including community leaders, government agency officials, city councillors and local media.
Among them were the constituency's women and family development committee members Yun Chiew Eng, 58, Rose Gooi, 57, and Lim Hooi Chin, 48.
Yun said durian parties were something she enjoyed attending every year, not just to sample the pungent treats but also for the atmosphere and camaraderie.
'It's very lau juak (merriment) as they say in Hokkien.
'As the farms collaborate directly with the service centre, the durians supplied are always of good quality,' she said.
'One can eat a lot and try many different varieties without having to worry about the price,' Yun added.
Gooi expressed similar thoughts and said every piece she had on the day was tasty.
'I enjoyed the occasion.
'It's nice tucking in with good friends,' she added in between taking selfies with the durians.
This is the second year that Wong's service centre hosted a durian party as a gesture of thanks to all those serving the local community.
'Penangites love their durians. So, what better way to show our appreciation?
'Many growers have said harvests would be smaller this season.
'We wanted to make sure everyone got the chance to sample the best fruits before the season was over,' said Wong.
He said a secondary aim was to promote Penang durians from local growers to the wider public and foreign tourists.
To address the issue of durians from other states and neighbouring countries like Thailand being misrepresented as Penang durians by unscrupulous vendors, the state agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee launched a Track and Trace system for durians at the start of June.
'This will ensure our local growers are not sidelined and consumers can have confidence in Penang durians,' Wong said of the initiative.
