Durian Tsunami 2026: FAMA Strengthens Farmer Protection Through the Harga Lantai Mechanism

The 2026 durian season has brought an extraordinary surge in production across Malaysia, creating what has been widely described as the “Durian Tsunami.” While consumers have benefited from significantly lower prices and greater access to premium durian varieties, the unprecedented oversupply has created serious challenges for durian growers, particularly smallholders producing kampung durian.

Favourable weather conditions, expansion of durian cultivation areas over the past few years, and simultaneous harvesting across major producing states during the peak season from June to August have resulted in a substantial volume of durians entering the market at the same time. As supply exceeded market demand, farm-gate prices declined sharply, placing considerable financial pressure on growers and affecting their income sustainability.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) implemented immediate market intervention measures under its 2026 Seasonal Fruits Marketing and Intervention Plan to stabilise the market and safeguard farmers' livelihoods.

One of the key initiatives introduced by FAMA was the implementation of a harga lantai (floor price) of RM2.70 per kilogram for kampung durian. This intervention serves as a safety net for farmers by ensuring that their produce continues to have a guaranteed minimum market price, even during periods of severe oversupply. Through direct purchasing from growers at the established harga lantai, FAMA helps prevent excessive price deterioration while encouraging farmers to continue harvesting and marketing their produce rather than leaving the fruits unharvested in the orchards.

The harga lantai mechanism reflects FAMA’s commitment to protecting small-scale producers who are among the most vulnerable to market fluctuations. Without timely intervention, many farmers could face significant income losses as market prices fall below the cost of harvesting and production during periods of excessive supply. This initiative not only safeguards farmers’ earnings but also strengthens confidence and resilience within Malaysia’s durian industry.

In addition to direct procurement, FAMA has further expanded market access by strengthening its nationwide marketing network. FAMA has established 90 Seasonal Fruit Sales Locations nationwide, providing a direct-from-farm sales channel that enables consumers to purchase fresh durians while creating additional market opportunities for growers. These sales locations help shorten the marketing chain, improve market accessibility, and ensure that quality Malaysian durians reach consumers more efficiently.

FAMA has also established 60 Temporary Buying Centres (Pusat Belian Sementara PBS) operated by FAMA together with its registered agri-entrepreneurs. These PBS facilities serve as strategic collection and purchasing points, allowing durian growers to market their produce more effectively while improving supply coordination, reducing logistical challenges, and minimising post-harvest losses during the peak harvesting period.

Beyond these intervention measures, FAMA continues to strengthen existing marketing channels through its nationwide network of Pasar Tani, Agrobazaar, Agrobazaar Online, collection centres, and collaborations with registered agri-entrepreneurs. These platforms provide wider distribution channels for fresh durians, helping to reduce supply concentration in production areas and ensuring that consumers have better access to quality Malaysian durian varieties.

The 2026 Durian Tsunami demonstrates that increasing agricultural production must be supported by responsive marketing strategies, accurate market intelligence, and timely government intervention. Through the implementation of the harga lantai mechanism of RM2.70 per kilogram, direct procurement programmes, expansion of marketing channels, establishment of Seasonal Fruit Sales Locations and Temporary Buying Centres, export promotion activities, and real-time market monitoring through SISDA, FAMA continues to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring consumers enjoy quality Malaysian durians at affordable prices.

As Malaysia’s national agricultural marketing agency, FAMA remains committed to strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the country’s durian industry. The harga lantai initiative represents FAMA’s proactive role in protecting farmers against market volatility while building a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural marketing ecosystem for the future.