GEORGE TOWN, May 7 -- There will be fewer durians in Penang this season and this could drive prices up, according to a durian farm owner.

Eric Yeap of 8321 Durian Plantation said that recent bouts of uncertain weather and rain have led to fewer fruits on durian trees.

"The season also started late this year as usually the season starts in late April but we are only starting to get the early batches of durians now," he said in an interview with Malay Mail recently.

He said this year the number of durians will be about 30 per cent less compared to last year.

"Due to less durians, the prices may go up slightly, but it won't be overly expensive," he said.

Yeap, who has seven durian farms in Penang, said his farms produce about one ton of...