A minor payment dispute at a durian stall in Penang has erupted into a viral controversy after two tourists from China allegedly refused to settle their full bill, arguing that the fruit they consumed was below standard—even though they ate all of it.
The incident happened on April 26 at a stall in Chew Jetty, a popular heritage site frequented by visitors. Stall owner Sim Ho Gui said the duo selected the ‘Hor Lor’ variety, which cost RM59. After being informed of the price, they agreed to try it and proceeded to finish the entire durian before raising any complaints.
Things turned sour when the tourists paid RM50 and declined to cover the remaining RM9, saying the durian was not up to their expectations. One of them reportedly complained that the seeds were too large and the texture wasn’t what she anticipated. In a heated exchange caught on video, the woman shouted that paying in full would make her “a fool,” and claimed she had been misled.
She went as far as demanding a refund, suggesting sellers should reimburse customers if the taste did not meet their standards. The stall staff responded calmly, explaining that other patrons had no issues with the same durian. They even offered to lower the price slightly to RM55 as a gesture of goodwill, but the tourists refused and insisted on paying no more than RM50.
Sim, who has been in the durian business for more than 20 years and once placed second in an international durian competition, stood by the quality of his produce. He explained that the 'Hor Lor' type is naturally known for its bigger seeds and this was communicated to the customers.
The situation reportedly escalated when one of the tourists allegedly scratched a bystander who was filming the incident and demanded the video be deleted. The altercation spilled into a nearby alley, drawing the attention of passersby and other vendors.
Interestingly, another Chinese tourist at the scene attempted to mediate, explaining that in Malaysia, complaints about durians are typically made before the fruit is eaten—not afterward.
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and cultural understanding, especially in tourist hotspots. Both buyers and sellers should engage respectfully to prevent minor misunderstandings from turning into public disputes.
Information Source: WeirdKaya
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