No barrier to love for durian

Despite infection fears and movement controls, consumers continue getting supply via delivery services

PETALING JAYA: The crave of Malaysians for the King of the Fruit seems insatiable. No viral infection nor restriction on movements will stop them from satisfying their desire.

This is good news for durian producers such as Teoh Cheng Hin, who owns a farm in Balik Pulau, Penang.

He is collaborating with food delivery services platforms to meet local demand while he makes plans to expand his market reach across the country.

Teoh, who is director of Penang Ah Teik Zai Durian, said it has been challenging since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

“Due to the lockdown and strict standard operating procedures, it has been difficult to set up outlets. Customers are avoiding outdoor durian stalls,” he said, adding that the ban on inter-district travel has also made it impossible to deliver to other states.

Durian lover J. Wong, 41, said he usually gets his fix at stalls in SS2.

Before Covid-19 hit the country, he would also drive as far as Raub in Pahang, or Nilai in Negri Sembilan to get the best selection.

“I can’t think of another fruit or dish that offers the same level of creaminess and satisfaction,” Wong told theSun.

To meet demand, many durian farmers and traders have started using food delivery services.

Teoh has partnered with foodpanda, Grabfood and DeliverEat to send his produce to various parts of Penang.

He has also set up his own in-house delivery service to meet additional demand.

However, the move has only helped a little in terms of maintaining pre-pandemic sales levels.

“We are now selling only 300kg to 400kg a day, which is equivalent to 250 to 300 fruits,” he said.

“Sales have dropped by 50% to 60%. We used to sell 800kg to 1,000kg a day.”

Teoh has also turned to social media to boost sales. Orders can be made through the Penang Ah Teik Zai Durian Facebook page, on Instagram or even through WhatsApp.

To prevent disputes, the fruits are weighed and the price agreed upon before the durians are shelled and packed for delivery.

His best-selling varieties are the Hor Lor, Red Prawn, Butter King, Super XO, Black

Thorn and, of course, the Musang King.

“If all goes well and we can get a permit, we hope to start delivery to the northern states of Kedah, Perlis and Perak soon before we move on to cover Kuala Lumpur and Selangor,” he said.

“Ultimately, we want to reach as far as Johor.”

Marketing has also become a must in these difficult times. Teoh said promotional campaigns are under way, with a 15% discount extended to frontliners.

“This our token of appreciation for everyone who have made so many sacrifices during this pandemic,” he added.

Managing director of Klang Valley durian supplier ZH Jaya, who wanted to be known only as Chong, said his sales have not been significantly affected by the pandemic.

“We are selling about as much as we did before Covid-19.”

He sells about 200kg of the D200 Black Thorn, D197 Musang King and the D101 varieties daily, adding that prices remain high because of the huge demand from China and other countries.

Just like Teoh, Chong is also providing delivery services to get his durians to his customers.

“We offer free delivery for purchases of RM200 and above, and we use our own drivers,” he said.

“Customers can also reach us via WhatsApp at 012-548 6683.”