Malaysia s Musang King may reign supreme but a new wave of durian contenders is emerging

PETALING JAYA – In the world of durians, Malaysia’s Musang King may wear the crown but a new wave of contenders is emerging for supremacy.

From the creamy Black Thorn and Red Prawn to the sweet Hajah Hasmah, the Malaysian government is championing lesser-known premium varieties to capture growing international demand.

Other established types like Sultan and Tekka are also seeing interest, offering the fruit at a more accessible price and broadening the nation’s footprint in the global market.

Agriculture Department director-­general Dauk Nor Sam Alwi said Musang King and Bukit Merah are the main varieties recommended for export due to their rich, creamy texture and strong flavour. But efforts are under way to highlight other premium types such as Black Thorn, Red Prawn and Hajah Hasmah.

“These varieties are being evaluated for future certification and export readiness, based on their potential in terms of taste, texture, shelf life and suitability for long-distance shipping,” she told The Star.

She said Chinese nationals, in particular, are willing to pay premium prices for these varieties.

The department is working towards registe­ring durian varieties grown in Malaysia, conduct agronomic assessments and ensure compliance with the requirements of importing countries.

“This includes pest disinfestation methods such as vapour heat treatment, traceability systems and farm export certification schemes,” she added.

These efforts, she noted, are in line with the department’s goal of diversifying Malaysia’s durian varieties in the global market, strengthening the competitiveness of the industry and maximising export value.

The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has found that there is a growing appetite for a wider range of flavours.

“Consumers are becoming more adventurous. They are seeking out unique taste profiles. We are also seeing renewed interest in older, established clones such as D24 and Tekka, which are more affordable and offer