Rambutan harvest comes early for Sophia

 Other seasonal fruit such as durian, tarap and bambangan have also started appearing in markets and roadside stalls. Jamin Linsing, who sells durians in the Kingfisher Park area in Likas, near here, said the durian season began two weeks ago in Sipitang, Ranau and Tawau. "It's still early now and the selling price is between 1,17 and 1,95EUR per kilo," said Jamin, who buys the fruit in bulk from several farmers in Sipitang.

Agriculture Department director MC Ismail Salam said the season would reach its peak next month and would last until September. He anticipates a bountiful harvest this year.
"There was no prolonged drought or heavy rains in the last couple of months and that would likely set a good harvest for many farmers." He said business would pick up in the weeks to come.
"Hotels, for instance, will be placing orders from commercial farms for fruit such as langsat and mangosteen. "It's good that many of our hotels are proactive in promoting local fruit."
Ismail said the department was working towards encouraging "seasonal" fruit farmers to go into commercial venture for year-long yields.
"There are various methods to produce these fruit throughout the year."