Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits
With itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat fruit buffets, the trips are a popular way for members of parliament to thank constituents
People’s Action Party MP Ng Chee Meng enjoys a durian-filled day trip to Johor with residents from his Jalan Kayu constituency. Photo: Instagram / ng.chee.meng
Singaporean politicians are leading their constituents on sold-out tours across the causeway to indulge in Malaysia’s peak durian season, with itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat buffets, shopping and multi-course dinners.
At least seven members of parliament (MPs) have organised trips this month for Singaporean citizens to get their fill of the spiky and pungent fruit in neighbouring Malaysia, where prices are expected to fall this month in light of abundant supply.
The outings, some lasting a day and others overnight, have proven so popular that many were fully booked shortly after being announced, according to local news outlet the Malay Mail.
The surge in durian trips follows Singapore’s general election two months ago – part of a familiar post-poll tradition, according to tourism operators.
“It is usual for Singaporeans to go on durian tours every year, but the number of groups goes up by about 30 per cent after an election in the island republic,” Jimmy Leong, chairman of the Johor Tourist Guides Association, told Malaysian newspaper The Star.
The trips have become a popular way for MPs to thank constituents for their support, and they provide a reliable boost to Johor’s local tourism sector, Leong added.
Last Saturday, Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party Secretary General Pritam Singh led his annual durian day trip to Johor, which quickly sold out. For S$95 (US$75), participants enjoyed a durian buffet lunch, shopping and a Chinese dinner.
That same day, People’s Action Party MP Ng Chee Meng led a sold-out day trip to Johor Bahru, priced at S$110. The itinerary, which began at 5.30am, included a free-flow durian buffet breakfast, shopping stops and an eight-course Chinese dinner. While the tour was open to all Singaporeans, priority was given to residents of Ng’s Jalan Kayu constituency.
“Singaporeans make up about half of our customers,” John Chew, a durian seller near a Johor mall, told The Star. Business has picked up significantly since the durian season began early this month, especially during weekends, he added.
He added that Musang King remains the top choice among Singaporeans, even though Malaysia has around 200 durian varieties.
“The prices vary depending on the grade. Grade A can go for 60 Malaysian ringgit (US$14) per kilogram, while grade B ranges from 30 ringgit to 40 ringgit.”
Other MPs have overnight trips planned in the coming weeks, including Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who is organising a two-day tour to Malacca from July 26 to 27.
Singaporean Wendy Chua, spotted enjoying durian at a stall in Johor, told The Star: “This is probably our second or third time eating durian here. There are some durian varieties available in Johor that are hard to find in Singapore, which makes the experience worthwhile.”
