Did you know that one of Malaysia’s most prized durians, the Black Thorn, was developed right here in Penang? The man behind this popular variety has now received a prestigious state honour for his contribution to the country’s durian industry.
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Leow Cheok Kiang, a 65-year-old durian farmer, was recently awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title ‘Datuk’. The title recognises his efforts in developing and promoting the Black Thorn durian both in Penang and across Malaysia.
Datuk Leow, who has been involved in the durian trade since he was eight years old, said he was surprised and honoured by the recognition. While his farms also produce Musang King, Red Prawn, and D-14, it is the Black Thorn — or Orh Chi in Hokkien — that remains his best-seller and personal favourite.
The origins of the Black Thorn durian can be traced back nearly four decades to a small orchard in Lima Kongsi, near Sungai Jawi. There, Leow experimented with a local durian tree and a Thai variety found in his father’s orchard, eventually creating a hybrid that would take almost 30 years to bear high-quality fruit.
His patience paid off when, in 2011, the durian placed second at Penang’s Annual Fruit Competition. Three years later, it returned to the competition and won first prize, gaining international recognition and leading to its official registration as D200 by the Agriculture Department in 2014.
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Leow believes that the Black Thorn's success lies in its unique sweetness and quality. Without much marketing, the fruit gained popularity through word of mouth, attracting loyal customers from around the world. Demand has since grown beyond Malaysia, with increasing interest from China, Indonesia, and other export markets.
Today, the Black Thorn durian stands alongside Musang King as one of Malaysia’s most prestigious and sought-after varieties, a true testament to Datuk Leow’s lifelong dedication to the craft.
