Weak Ringgit Makes King of Fruits a Bargain
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Sales have doubled at Uncle Lim’s durian farm as Singaporeans flood over the border into Malaysia to buy the spiky, stinky fruit, lured by the cheapest exchange rates since the countries separated 50 years ago.
The Malaysian ringgit’s weakness means they can now buy at least two top-grade durians there for the price of one in Singapore. The Southeast Asian native fruit -- known for its sweet, custardy flesh and banned from the city-state’s subways and hotels because of its pungent odor -- can retail for more than S$40 ($30) apiece in Singapore.