JITRA: A former lecturer never expected that matoa fruit plants would be in such high demand that it could generate extra income for him.
Aziz Romli, 66, said the fruit, which has a unique combination of lychee, rambutan, and durian flavours, is increasingly popular and now in demand nationwide.
The former Computer Science lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) said the fruit, also known as crystal fruit, was planted about 10 years ago after being introduced by a friend.
"At that time, my friend from Perak got seeds from Klang, which were brought in from Indonesia. I bought eight seedlings at RM10 each, but only six grew and survived until now.
"At three years old, the tree began to bear fruit, and if I had known it would become so sought-after, I would have planted hundreds of trees in my 10-acre orchard (three hectares), which is now planted with rubber trees," he said when met at his home in Kampung Menerong, Padang Sera.
Aziz said the tree can now produce about 100 kilograms (kg) of fruit per tree, which is sold at a price between RM30 and RM38 per kilogram.
He said that the tree is very easy to maintain, hardy, and can bear fruit twice a year.
"In the early days, the tree bore fruit once a year, but now it varies; sometimes twice a year, sometimes three times a year.
"I market it online. Alhamdulillah, the demand is very encouraging, reaching the entire Peninsular Malaysia," he said.
In addition to the fruit, Aziz also sells matoa seedlings at prices ranging from RM25 to RM30, depending on the size.