SARIKEI, December 31 - The Sarikei Express Terminal, typically filled with busy express buses and passengers, undergoes a transformation during fruit season.
The strong scent of durian can be detected from a distance, accompanied by stalls brimming with fresh produce from local farms.
This location attracts durian lovers who come not only to purchase but also to savor the finest fruits that Sarikei has to offer.
The Tembaga durian stands out as the main attraction, known for its soft, creamy golden flesh and perfectly balanced sweet and rich flavor.
A recent survey by RTM revealed that visitors take the chance to indulge in the delicious local durians that Sarikei is famous for, particularly the often-mentioned Tembaga durian.
For Azis Abu Samah from Kuching, the more than five-hour trip to acquire Sarikei's Tembaga durian is seen as worthwhile.
He is visiting for the first time after hearing friends talk about the Tembaga durian, which is hard to find in Kuching, and he found it to be a rewarding experience.
Similarly, Hasnan Rasdan from Sibu shared his experience of buying durian in Sarikei, noting that it is generally cheaper than in other areas.
He mentioned that he purchased three baskets of durian for RM100, with the fourth basket costing RM35, highlighting the excellent quality of the fruit.
In addition, local durian seller Mohd Sabri Let indicated that this season features a variety of durians, including the popular village durian.
He noted that village durian remains a favorite due to its unique taste, and many customers now prefer buying pre-packaged durians instead of those sold by weight.