Father of Black Thorn durian recognised with Datukship


Big contribution: Leow showing the World Durian Championship Trophy at Dewan Sri Pinang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The prized bitter­sweet Black Thorn durian, known as Orh Chi in Hokkien, originated in a modest orchard in Lima Kongsi near Sungai Jawi nearly four decades ago.

It was there that Datuk Leow Cheok Kiang, 65, grafted a hybrid between a local durian tree and an unidentified Thai variety on his father’s land – an innovation that earned him a datukship yesterday.

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