Haze, unpredictable weather cloud Malaysia’s upcoming durian season
Malaysian durian farmers are facing uncertainty as changing weather conditions, compounded by worsened haze, have affected flowering and fruit development ahead of the minor season in December-February.
Malaysia's upcoming durian season is facing challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions and haze, according to recent reports. In Pahang, a major durian-producing state, some farms have already seen flowers bloom within the past two weeks. However, the weather has been erratic, with hot, sunny mornings followed by sudden afternoon thunderstorms, as reported by durian consultant Andrew Yeon.
This unpredictable weather has made it difficult for pollination during the critical flowering stage, which is crucial for fruit setting.
The Department of Agriculture's director-general, Nor Sam Alwi, warned that prolonged hot and dry weather associated with El Nino could severely impact durian production. While moderate dry spells can promote flowering, extended droughts can have a negative effect on tree health, fruit retention, and overall yield. Johor and Pahang, together contributing to 60.3% of Malaysia's durian output, require close monitoring due to their significance in national durian production.
Farmers have reported that the combination of drought, haze, and high pollution levels have disrupted the flowering process, pushing back the harvest time from the end of January to late February or early March. The impact of the haze has been milder in previous years when rainfall was present. The uncertainty surrounding the season is particularly concerning for Malaysia's durian industry, which has seen substantial growth in recent years, with shipments to China, the world's largest market, increasing from $5 million in 2024 to $37 million in the first half of 2026, and $30.26 million in the first half of 2026 alone.
The Musang King variety, Malaysia's most popular durian, is especially sensitive to weather conditions. Eric Chan, president of the Durian Manufacturers Association, expressed concerns that quality defects could lead to significant financial losses for manufacturers, as some issues may only be discovered after the fruit has been opened. The industry is now focusing on the main season in June and July next year, pending the trees' response to the current weather conditions.
Durian Academy adviser Lim Chin Khee emphasized the role of farmers in determining fruit quality, suggesting that they could mitigate risks by expanding storage reservoirs or installing tube wells. Lim also warned that extreme weather could reduce supply and drive up prices. For prepared farmers, he added, adverse weather events could present an opportunity.
Written by urgent.news from VnExpress Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
