Gambir: The plight of durian farmers facing a drop in prices following a near-simultaneous peak durian season in Peninsular Malaysia has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has pledged to raise the matter in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang next month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the effort is aimed at expanding market access for Malaysian durian in China, thereby boosting demand and stabilizing prices, which currently affect growers' income. Anwar expressed his intent to negotiate with China, highlighting the country's high standards and the potential for improved trade relations to benefit local producers, especially during periods of oversupply.

Anwar addressed the issue during a meet-the-people session at the Gambir state constituency. Notable attendees included Pakatan Harapan (PH) Johor Election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister and Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, and PH candidate for the Gambir state seat, Mohd Nor Mohd Yusof.

Additionally, the Prime Minister addressed Malaysia's position on fuel prices, noting that despite global oil price pressures due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Malaysia continues to offer some of the lowest fuel prices globally through government intervention measures.

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, explained that conflicts involving Iran and the United States have pressured oil prices by causing supply disruptions. However, the Malaysian government has chosen to shield its citizens from price increases, maintaining subsidized rates under the BUDI MADANI initiative. Current retail fuel prices from July 1 to 8 are set at RM3.37 per litre for RON95 and RM3.97 per litre for diesel, while the public benefits from subsidized rates of RM1.99 per litre for RON95 and RM2.10 per litre for diesel.