Penang Farmer Who Created The Famous Black Thorn Durian Has Just Been Awarded A Datukship

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If you've ever queued for hours to get your hands on the creamy, bitter goodness of Black Thorn durian, you've got one man to thank

A farmer from Sungai Jawi, Penang, who developed the famous Black Thorn durian has recently been conferred a Datukship.

Datuk Leow Cheok Kiang, 65, received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title 'Datuk', during a ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang on Monday, 28 July.

While some may recognise him from local durian festivals, Leow has spent most of his life out of the spotlight, quietly perfecting one of Malaysia's most sought-after fruits.

Black Thorn, also known as orh chi, took nearly 30 years to develop

Back in the 1980s, Leow grafted a hybrid durian using a local variety and an unidentified Thai type on his father's land in Lima Kongsi.

"It took almost 30 years for the trees to produce quality fruits," he said, according to The Star.

In 2011, Leow entered his durian in Penang's Annual Fruit Competition and won second place.

But from 2012 to 2014, Black Thorn took the top prize three years in a row, eventually getting registered as D200 under the Agriculture Department.

Today, it's one of the most prestigious durian types in Malaysia, rivalling Musang King in both price and popularity.

Leow now manages multiple farms but says Black Thorn is still his 'crown jewel'

New Straits Times reported that he currently runs orchards in Sungai Baung, Junjung, and Relau in Seberang Perai, offering more than 10 durian varieties, including Red Prawn and D14.

But it's Black Thorn that keeps his regulars coming back, including buyers from China, Indonesia, and beyond.

"My Black Thorn is well-known for its sweetness and quality. Even without much promotion, word of mouth has brought in loyal customers," he told reporters.

Despite his new Datuk title, Leow says he just wants people to enjoy good durians

"I didn't expect it. I'm just a small farmer planting Black Thorn durians, and to be recognised like this — it's a great honour," he added.

Asked if he plans to use his new title for marketing, he replied simply, "Earning a Datukship is nice, but I want the durian to be the focus."

He also acknowledged the challenges that come with farming today, including pests and unpredictable weather.

"Expansion requires care, good manpower, and the right conditions," he said, adding that he's exploring options to grow further but will proceed cautiously.

Penang leaders praised him as a symbol of innovation in agriculture

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and former Jawi assemblyman Soon Lip Chee both applauded Leow's decades of perseverance and ingenuity.

Also honoured at the ceremony was Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who received the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri'.

In total, 1,530 people received state awards this year, including 150 who were awarded titles.