Malaysian durian farmer Stephen Chow and his workers put in long hours under floodlights at night to harvest fruit at peak ripeness – a delicacy increasingly prized by Chinese consumers. Yet their efforts may not be enough to keep Chow out of the red.
According to growers and industry experts, climate change is bringing severe heatwaves and unseasonal rain to Malaysia – one of Southeast Asia's biggest durian producers. This is directly affecting flowering, fruit set, and quality, especially for the famed Musang King variety.
China is now the world's largest durian market, accounting for about 90% of ASEAN's durian exports. Chinese customs data show durian imports exceeded $6 billion in 2023, up sharply from previous years. This demand surge has pushed up prices at Chinese wholesale markets and spurred rapid expansion of orchards in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
However, Malaysian growers are facing higher production costs as they invest in irrigation systems, shade nets, and other protective measures against extreme weather. Chow told media that if conditions persist, many smallholders may have to abandon their orchards or switch to other crops.
The Malaysian government has launched support programs for farmers, including subsidies for seedlings, drought-resistant equipment, and training in climate-adaptive farming techniques. But observers say the durian industry needs a long-term sustainable strategy, diversifying supply to meet growing Chinese demand rather than relying on a single season or region.
