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.
“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.
