Singaporeans flock to Johor for durian feasts after GE2025

JOHOR BAHRU – Two months after Singapore’s general election, durian businesses in Johor are dra­wing a steady crowd of visitors from across the Causeway.

This post-election trend is a consistent revenue booster for the state, according to Johor Tour­ist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong.

“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,” he said.

Mr Leong said these durian tours are a popular way for Singapore MPs to express gratitude to their communities and party members for their election support. “Each group could comprise as many as eight to 10 busloads,” he added.

For instance, Jalan Kayu MP Ng Chee Meng recently promoted a “Musang King durian tour to Johor Bahru” on Facebook. The $110 day tour included transport, an all-you-can-eat Musang King lunch and an eight-course dinner.

“Back by popular demand! You asked and we listened, so let’s go get some durians,” he wrote.

A Singaporean mother of three, Ms Nina Farah Ain Borhan, said she has seen such durian tours being organised by a Singapore political representative.

“There are posters displayed next to the lift lobby (of my residential building),” she said, adding that she had not participated in such a tour. “But I do travel to Johor frequently for durians,” said the 31-year-old.

Durian seller John Chew, 60, said the durian season began in early July and business has since picked up significantly, especially over the weekends.

“Singaporeans make up about half of our customers,” said Mr Chew, who runs a stall near a mall in Johor.

He said that Musang King remains the top choice of Singaporeans among the 200 or so varieties of durian in Malaysia.

“The prices vary depending on the grade. Grade A can go for RM60 (S$18) per kilogram while grade B ranges from RM30 to RM40,” said Mr Chew.

Another seller, Mr Mohamad Amiru­din Tono, 22, also reported brisk sales, particularly during weekends, with customers arriving from all over the country and from Singapore.

“The price of the fruit has also been going down this season,” he said. “This has helped attract more customers.”

A durian supplier in Pontian, who wanted to be known only as Mr Tok, said demand has been so high he sometimes needs to source from other suppliers to meet orders. “I also have customers from Singapore visiting my orchard in tour buses,” he said.

Singaporean Wendy Chua, 42, who was seen enjoying durian at a stall in Johor, said: “This is 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.”

The rising prices over the years have not deterred Singa­po­reans, she said.

“We would come for the variety and the overall experience,” Ms Chua added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK