GEORGE TOWN, Nov 13 — Chinese nationals’ appetite for the durian both here and at home is the reason the king of fruits is becoming prohibitively expensive, the Penang assembly was told today.

Penang agriculture and agro-based industries exco Dr Afif Bahardin (PKR-Seberang Jaya) noted that Malaysia has been promoting durians here and in China with palpable success.

"Durians, especially the branded or premium ones, are now a luxury,” he said during a question-and-answer session today.

Backbencher RSN Rayer (DAP — Seri Delima) then suggested a discount for state residents to be able to afford the fruit.

"Penangites must be given the chance to savour the best fruits from our own orchards so, maybe, locals can be given discounts through the I Love Penang card,” he said.

Rayer went on to blame the federal government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for allowing durians to be exported.

The remark prompted Penang Opposition Leader Datuk Jahara Hamid (Barisan Nasional — Telok Ayer Tawar) to call Rayer a "joker” away from her microphone, which led to him shouting a challenge at her to repeat the term aloud.

A short argument ensued before Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang (PKR — Bukit Tambun) ordered Rayer to cease under the threat of expulsion.

"That is enough. Please sit down, otherwise, I will tell you to leave the House” he said.

In response to Rayer’s suggested discount, Dr Afif said it was better that the government concentrate its efforts to help the people on more important issues.

He also said prices were determined by market forces, and suggested that another alternative to make durians more affordable in the state was to encourage greater supply here.

"A musang king or orchee durian can cost RM105 on the island but in lesser known places on the mainland, it can cost about half the price or at around RM68,” he said.

He then said consumers should educate themselves on where to get the best durians at reasonable prices.