POTENTIAL OF SG-1 PINEAPPLE: TODAY

THE LATEST MALAYSIA SG1 PINEAPPLE or known as Sarawak Gold-1 is Malaysia's premium reported by local media as the fast-growing hybrid pineapple variety. Originally from Taiwan and pioneered in Miri, Sarawak in which claimed that it matures in just 9 months that was much faster than the standard MD2 premium variety and features sweet with the golden-orange flesh with zero residual fiber. The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) is actively expanding SG1 cultivation across multiple states, including Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and expanding into Melaka. Because it yields up to 22,000 plants per acre the claimed it is highly valued by local farmers and the industrial processing sector for canned pineapple and juice. An insight from the farmers of SG1 community and growers and local processors highlight SG1's high yield and excellent commercial potential. Reported that it can be harvested quicker to help increase planters' income and SG-1 matches MD2 in quality but has a sweeter flavor and making it suitable for both fresh consumption and industrial processing. The potential this variety refers to the Sarawak Gold-1 (SG-1) pineapple variety and its massive potential for large-scale agricultural and industrial processing in Malaysia. MPIB is aggressively promoting the expansion of SG-1 in which the key highlights of this initiative include as the higher yields and shorter maturation period whereby SG-1 matures in just nine months compared to 14 to 16 months for the common MD2 variety. It also allows for a higher planting density (20,000 to 25,000 plants per acre vs. 15,000 to 17,000 for MD2). It was ideal for processing activiti about 60% of SG-1 production is targeted for the processing industry (canned pineapples and juice). This segment represents the lion's share of Malaysia's pineapple export value in which previously reached RM1.4 billion. According the MPIB around an area of 500 hectares of SG-1 are already under cultivation across Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Johor and Pahang with active expansions underway in states like Melaka This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share about the latest expansion of growing SG-1 new pineapple variety in Malaysia.

The Sarawak Gold (SG1) pineapple, a premium tropical fruit, has emerged as a symbol of Sarawak's agricultural excellence and Malaysia's diversification into high-value agricultural exports. Renowned for its vibrant golden hue, superior sweetness, and unique aroma, SG1 pineapple combines exceptional sensory qualities with a robust nutritional profile, positioning it as a premium agricultural commodity for international export. This article explores the historical background, unique agronomic features, and cultivation practices that have contributed to the development and success of SG1 pineapple. Emphasizing sustainable farming methods and the pivotal role of smallholder farmers, the article highlights how the SG1 pineapple industry fosters rural economic development and supports the livelihoods of local communities. The branding of SG1 as a premium product has elevated its market demand, enabling expansion into Asia-Pacific and European markets, and solidifying its status as a valuable export commodity for Malaysia. Through its contribution to export revenues, job creation, and rural prosperity, SG1 pineapple not only enhances Sarawak’s economy but also reinforces Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the production of high-quality tropical fruits. However, as SG1 pineapple is a relatively new cultivar, published scientific information remains limited; therefore, this review synthesizes currently available data and identifies key research gaps to guide future studies.

Recent report by July 2026 the NST portal reported 'MPIB promotes new Sarawak SG-1 pineapple variety in Peninsular Malaysia' as a latest new pineapple variety in Peninsular Malaysia to boost productivity and strengthen the supply chain for the processing sector. MPIB director-general ststed that around 500ha of SG-1 crops have been cultivated in Peninsular Malaysia so far, in Negri Sembilan, Selangor, and Pahang, with plans to introduce the variety to Melaka. He said the national variety was brought in from Taiwan to Miri, Sarawak, in December 2022 and has been officially registered by the Department of Agriculture Malaysia. The SG-1 variety has a shorter maturation period of nine months compared to 14 to 16 months for the MD2 variety, so it can be harvested quicker to help increase planters' income. Furthermore, SG-1 allows a higher planting density of between 20,000 and 25,000 plants per 0.4ha (one acre) compared to 15,000 to 17,000 plants for the MD2 variety, thereby significantly increasing production output. He said this after the opening ceremony of the MPIB-Historical Melaka City Council (MBMB) Bromeliad Garden and the handover of the keys to the MPIB Melaka office today. The event was launched by Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, and attended by MBMB Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman. MPIB said the quality of SG-1 is on par with MD2, while its sweetness level is higher, making the variety highly suitable for both fresh consumption and the processing industry. MPIB aim for about 60 per cent of SG-1 production to be channelled into the processing industry, such as juice production and canned pineapples. This segment accounts for about 70 per cent of the country's pineapple export value, which previously reached RM1.4 billion. Therefore, we are bringing the SG-1 variety to Melaka today to introduce it to local operators and the public, including tourists, as it is not widely available on the retail market yet," he said. Meanwhile MPIB said the MPIB New MBMB Bromeliad Garden is the first of its kind developed by the agency in collaboration with a local authority. Choosing Melaka aligns with the state's image as a world-class historic tourism city and enhances its urban agro-tourism by connecting heritage, nature, and agriculture. MPIB added that the initiative aims to showcase the pineapple industry through a creative, tourist-friendly approach, establishing pineapples as a unique feature in Melaka's urban landscape. It also provides an attractive public spot for photography and reinforces the strategic partnership between MPIB and MBMB in promoting agriculture-based green urban development. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Melaka,

Malaaysia.

(July 2026).

HOW TO IDENTIFY BLACK THORN DURIAN

BLACK THORN DURIAN or in Malay known as 'Durian Duri Hitam' and registered code as D200 is one of the most expensive types of durian in Malaysia after Durian Musang King. For mes as a agronomist expert because of their high price, fake black thorn durians are more likely to be floating around the market whwerby among consumers do not expert how to dentify the real black thorn durian (Durio zibethinus). For me to identify black thorn durian, look for a sunk star shape at the bottom of the durian and the shape of black thorn durian should be round like a pumpkin where it is able to sit upright on the table by itself. If you can find a black bristle at the bottom of the durian, it is definitely the black thorn durian. Normally for further inspection the black thorn durian has a few distinct characteristics and let's take a closer look at each of its characteristics to better identify them. All durians have a similar appearance and if you’re not familiar with durian, it is hard to tell which durian is the black thorn. Nonetheless, the following are the characteristics of the black thorn durian. 

1. The skin of black thorn durian is 

     often grey in color
Many black thorn durians have grey-ish color skin. Some people view such a skin color as light green. However, not all black thorn durians have the same color.  Depending on location, black thorn durians can also be found in green color and yellowish. Sometimes, the green color black thorn durian is more appealing as it looks healthier. If durian lovers never experienced, they has to properly asked durian farmers find it difficult or inaccurate to judge the type of durian based on the skin color alone. Hence many would need to match it with other characteristics.

 

2. The shape of black thorn durian 

     is more round
A quite distinct feature of the black thorn durian is its round shape. Most black thorn durians have a round shape similar to a pumpkin. However, again, not all black thorn durians have the same shape. Nonetheless, a special feature of black thorn durian is the “muscular body”. Some black thorn durians have ups and downs in their body. It almost seems like the durian has been working out lately.

3.  The bottom of black thorn durian 

     looks like a sunk star
Professional durian farmers often mention the descended or sunk star at the bottom of black thorn durian. It is one of the methods they use to differentiate black thorn durian from others. The bottom of most durians is usually either flat or protruding out. However, the bottom of black thorn durians is always sunk in. Combine the roundness and the sunk star at the bottom, the black thorn durian normally can sit upright on the table by itself as opposed to many other durians that roll around on the table. If inspectes properly the fresh black thorn durian has a black bristle at the bottom and normally, the black bristle at the bottom of the durian will fall before the durian is ripped. However, black thorn durian keeps the black bristle even after it ripped and fall on the ground. That’s how black thorn durian got its name. So, if you found there is a black bristle at the bottom of the durian, it is almost certain that you got yourself a black thorn durian.

4. Criteris of the bristle

However, the bristle is fragile. A little movement can cause it to break. Hence, many black thorn durians don’t have the bristle anymore as the bristle falls during transportation and packaging. From the outside, the above characteristics pretty much determine if it is black thorn durian. Once you identify one, cut it open and you can further confirm if it is a black thorn durian by looking for the following characteristics.

5.  Black thorn durian has a yellow 

     core inside
Most black thorn durians have a yellow core or pattern within. The yellow core may or may not stretch along the durian. However sometimes, durian lover may not find the yellow core at all, but it’ll leave hints to tell you whether or not it is a black thorn durian. The best thing about Black Thorn is the fruit of black thorn durian is gold in color (See photo bottom). The fruit of black thorn durian is almost always in gold color. If the black thorn durian fruit is more like a yellow-ish color, it may indicate that the quality of the black thorn durian is less than ideal. In addition, wrinkly durian fruits are often better than smooth durian fruits as they are more aromatic, tastier and creamier. Talk ablot the Black Thorn Durian vs Other Durian in which the black thorn durian because the bottom of the durian is not sunk. Besides, it is not anywhere near a round shape. Though its skin color is a little bit grey-ish. However, black thorn durian can also grow in different shapes especially when the quality is less than ideal. The black thorn durian because the bottom of the durian is sunk. Most importantly, the black bristle is still intact which is a very strong indicator that the durian is a black thorn type. Besides, its shape is as round as a pumpkin. The bottom of the durian is not sunk. Besides, there is no yellow core found inside the durian and the fruit is more like a yellowish color rather than gold color. Anybody local durian lover if you have never seen durian in real life before, it is still going to be quite challenging for you to identify a black thorn durian. However, if you follow the above characteristics when buying black thorn durian, the chance of you getting the real one will be significantly higher.  Durian is only available in certain regions of the world. Hence, many people don't know how durian is harvested. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(January 2026).

Updated by July 2026.

DURIAN 'TSUNAMI' IN MALAYSIA - LOW PRICE 2026

MALAYSIA is currently in Junento July 2026 experiencing a historic nationwide durian glut, with local reports detailing a 'Durian Tsunami" that has sent prices plunging by up to 90% due to oversupply. Depending on variety and location, prices have dropped to as low as RM2 to RM5 for standard kampung durians, and RM9 to RM20 per kilogram for the premium varieties like Musang King. The key details regarding the 2026 durian price drop include issue of Premium Varieties (Musang King & Black Thorn) where the prices for highly sought-after durians have fallen dramatically, previously priced at RM60 to RM80 per kg but they are now available for as little as RM9 to RM20 per kg depending on the stall and grade. The standard nd teh Kampung Durians reportd that the bargains happen everywhere whereby smaller or standard varieties are frequently sold in bulk such as RM100 for a basket of seven, or RM2 to RM5 per individual fruit, with the lowest-grade fruits going for as little as 50 sen. For viral Bulk Promotions the vendors across the country (including areas in Pahang and the Klang Valley) have introduced creative promotions like all-you-can-fit "sack" deals (e.g., a large bag or sack for RM100) to clear their bumper yields before they spoil. The idurian ndustry experts and sellers expect these remarkably low prices to last until the end of the peak mid-year harvest season around August 2026. Major news outlets such as the MalaysiaGazette have highlighted the joy of consumers juxtaposed with the pressure on orchard owners due to the sudden market crash. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share about the durian tsunami low price issue in Malaysia in Jun-July 2026 for references.

Media reported that 'Durian glut drives premium prices below RM20 per kg" where an an abundance of durians across the country has resulted in unusually low prices, with premium varieties selling for less than RM20 per kg as traders said. The nationwide glut has been described by traders as case of extraordinary, with consumers able to enjoy a wide range of durian varieties at significantly lower prices. A durian trader in Pontian, Johor, Jefrizal Auzar said that in his 12 years in the business, he had never seen a season quite like this. He said almost all orchards in the state were producing fruit simultaneously, resulting in a supply glut. Various durian varieties were being sold at his stall, including the popular Musang King are priced between RM10 and RM19 per kilogramme. He do not think customers have ever enjoyed prices this low, especially for premium durians, which can now be bought for less than RM20 per kilogrammeand it is not just my stall. Most traders are offering similar prices to ensure stocks are sold quickly and to help orchard owners cope with the oversupply. He said that besides leasing about 100 durian trees of various varieties in Muar, he also sourced supplies from orchard owners in Pontian and nearby areas. He said his stall was currently able to sell up to three tonnes of durians a day, with sales rising further during weekends. During the weekends are usually busier, with visitors from Johor Bahru as well as Singaporean tourists stopping by after visiting Tanjung Piai and durng the durian season, which began in early June 2026 is expected to continue until August are giving more chance to consumers ample opportunity to enjoy the fruit. On average, my stall can sell about 80 tonnes of durians a month, making the Jalan Pontian-Kukup route one of the main destinations for people seeking cheap durians. A case in Gua Musang, Kelantan reported that the current glut has led one trader to receive supplies from 10 growers, compared with only three last year. According to a trader in Bandar Utama, Kweh Tieok Eng stated that he received between 200kg and 500kg of durians daily. He said the increase in supply was due to more orchard owners seeking traders to market their produce as output had risen sharply. He claim that last year, he sourced durians from only three growers, but this year the number has increased to about 10 because of the huge oversupply. Most of the durians received comprise various grades, including Musang King, Red Prawn and Hor Lor (D163) ang in his 10 years as a trader, this season was among those with the largest oversupply of durians. He said prices had fallen to their lowest levels on record, with lower-grade Musang King selling for as little as RM5 per kilogramme. This season is truly extraordinary because there are simply too many durians, and some growers are worried they will not be able to sell them in time. Rather than let the fruit go to waste, it is better to sell it cheaply buat at least the cost of maintaining the orchard and paying workers can be covered,

In other portal in NST reported that 'Durian tsunami slashes prices as Malaysians feast' where Malaysians flocked to fruit stalls Wednesday for a slice of durian after a bumper harvest and oversupply of rejected export crops caused a sudden price drop in the notoriously pungent but expensive delicacy. The aficionados packed food halls and roadside tents around Kuala Lumpur to make the most of the so-called "durian tsunami" that has seen prices of some premium quality fruit drop by as much as 90 per cent. Found across Southeast Asia, the spiky fruit comes in many varieties and in Malaysia, the highly prized cultivar Musang King is consumed locally and exported, mainly to China. Malaysia in which produces more than 550,000 tonnes of durian a year, is currently in its peak harvest season. Reports said on Wednesday the price of Musang King durian plummeted from around RM90 per kg to as little as RM9. As in other varieties, such as Black Thorn, have also dropped in price, according to local media reports and many farmers learned from the industry that this year there would be a 'Musang King tsunami' and this is indeed the case as said by Faisal Iswardi Ismail, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority deputy director and he hope prices can recover within the next few weeks/ At an event organised by the agricultural authority, customers said they were making the most of the price crash. Reported that at a roadside stall in Segambut, about 10km from central Kuala Lumpur, an AFP correspondent saw people swarming to take advantage of the price boon. The Premium Black Thorn and Musang King were priced at under RM25 per whole fruit. Cheaper varieties were sold in bulk at RM100 for a basket of seven fruits. For Cheah Kim Wai, a manager at the DurianMan shop in Petaling Jaya, just outside the city centre, said "durians this year have become the cheapest they've been." The traders were worried about the slump as "the profit is not great", Cheah told AFP. "But we have to sell, business must go on where durian really has become something ordinary people can afford to eat, priced like the old kampung durians used to be.

Other point stated that 'Durian craze grips social media as prices tumble amid glut' in which the durian season is in full swing, and Malaysians are making sure the internet smells of it. Reported that the durian season fo 2026 is in full swing and Malaysians are making sure the internet smells of it. Across social media platforms, videos of durian stalls, roadside bargains and overflowing baskets have been making the rounds, as sellers push various varieties during the current harvest season. The popular premium varieties such as Black Thorn, Musang King and Udang Merah have also been spotted at roadside stalls around the Klang Valley over the past week. Among the clips gaining attention was a video of a man carrying a sack of durians so full that it appeared close to spilling over as he walked towards a car after making his purchase at a parking area. The post said the sack of durians was sold for RM100, with the man appearing determined to carry as much as possible. Elsewhere online, durian promotions have also surfaced, including offers for local kampung durians at bargain prices. Videos showed crowds and long queues at durian stalls in Bangi, Selangor, as buyers rushed to take advantage of lower prices following a glut in supply. From a facebook video posted by Durian Seladang last week advertised durians from as low as 50 sen per fruit, with other offers listing fruits at RM1 and RM2 each, as well as 10kg for RM50. The price drop comes amid an oversupply of durians during the current season, prompting bargain hunters to flock to stalls and roadside sellers. The oversupply has also prompted intervention by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), which reportedly offered a RM2.70 per kg floor price for kampung durian purchased from producers under forward purchase agreements with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. Thanks....

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(July 2026).

TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Part 4)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruits also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that there are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agriculture Malaysia, the largest durian is grown in Johor about 19,766 ha producing for about 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing about 107,386 mt and also Kelantan for 8,667 ha producing about 41,815 mt in 2022. There are more that 224 durian varieties registered under National Plant Variety Registration with the Department of Agriculture where I was involved in the process of making it last time. I also write almost 800 articles about durian in "Anim Agro Technology'' blog in the past 15 years and read by millions. However, when it comes to every year's June to August durian season, When the “King of Fruits” season rolls around, all types of durians from Malaysia go on display waiting to be savored. Truthfully, our love affair with the thorny fruit is unquenchable, and many are willing to drain their wallets and go to great lengths for their favorites. In the article "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to share some basic information about some premium or popular durian varieties in Malaysia for your consideration.

10. DURIAN LAO TAI PAO
For me this durian variety are popular among certain durian lover in Malaysia and Singapore. The given name of this variety for this durian has a rather controversial name as it doesn't look like an old lady at all. Its name comes from the looks and taste of the durian bring a Chinese Character. I never tested this variety due to it was a rare variety sold in the open market. reported that its durian flesh is moist and wrinkly. Lao tai po durian is bittersweetness and sometimes it comes with small seeds (not all). There are claom that the flavour of this variety is bitter sweet, buttery  and creamy with the texture reported as mist and wrinkly abd alzo breaking easily. the flesh colour is pale with almost-white redish yellow (see picture). Reported from a group of chinese durian lover that this variety are found only in Johor.

11. DURIAN DURI HITAM (D200)

This is among the latest premium durian variety in Malaysia and became the most newly planted variety. This variety also known asa the Black Thorn Durian or in other location known as Durian Ochee. For me the Black Thorn Durian is a hybrid durian so it is created for a new variation of taste and marketing too. Black Thorn Durian is also known by their registration number that was D200. It is one durian that is more expensive than Musang King reaching to RM120 per kilogram in few years ago. The high prices due to the minimal supply of this durian because mostly are new planting stage. The durian is roundish in shape and it looks like a sign of a star at the bottom of the fruit. For me during the Kedah and Penang Durian Festival in recent years manage to test as a judge this Blackthorn durian variety with the flavour of rich, creamy with slight hint of bitterness. The texture for the flesh is not as thick as Musang King and it was lighter in texture and it also has the slight bitter after taste like XO durian. The flesh colour ia dark orange colour flesh and mostly grown in Penand and Raub in Pahang. There are few sequence article for this popular durian in Malaysia from Part 1 to Part 4 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2023).

Updated ib June 2026.

TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Part 3)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruits also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that there are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agriculture Malaysia, the largest durian are grown in Johor about 19,766 ha producing for abouy 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing abour 107,386 mt and also Kelantan for 8,667 ha producing about 41,815 mt in 2022. There are more that 224 durian varieties registered under National Plant Variety Registration with the Department of Agriculture where I was involved in the process of making it last time. I also write almost 800 articles about durian in "Anim Agro Technology'' blog in the past 15 years and read by millions. However, when it comes to every year's June to August durian season, When the “King Of Fruits” season rolls around, all types of durians from Malaysia go on display waiting to be savored. Truthfully, our love affair with the thorny fruit is unquenchable, and many are willing to drain their wallets and go to great lengths for their favorites. In the article "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to share some basic information about some premium or popular durian varieties in Malaysia for your consideration.

7. DURIAN BLACK PEARL
This durian variety for me is unique due to it names. This durian is identified by pale bijou seeds with the Black Pearl is one of the rarest durians on the market. It was reported to expect prices to be steeper than usual. But the price tag justifies the exquisite taste, according to fans of the fruit. Heavy in bitterness with a clear tinge of sweetness undercutting the aftertaste. The small seeds allow for more of its flesh to fill up the fruit. Besides its size, the short and stubby stem is often a giveaway of the Black Pearl and along with its pale-yellow flesh with grey undertones. With a flavour that is often described as subtly bitter with a milky aftertaste, it is a perfect choice for those not in favour of strong durian flavours. That time during a taste losts of durian variety competition in Johor I am able to evaluate this durian tatse. The flavour is bitter with some subtle sweetness and the texture is soft with the flesh colora look as pale yellow-white. From the Department of Agriculture record this variety mostly found in Johor.

8. DURIAN XO
For me the given name of this durian variety is unique that was 'XO' look like a brand for wines. If you prefer bitter and intense flavours then consumer and durian lover have to seek the XO that are a match made in heaven. When examining this durian it comes with a pale-yellow flesh that tends to seem watery in appearance, the XO’s flesh is distinctly bitter and has an alcoholic taste to it, a result of the fruit fermenting during its ripening stage. this durian featuring a brownish-green shell in which the XO durian often takes on an oval appearance with thorns pointed inward at the base of the fruit. when testing this variety, the flavor is bitter with an almost alcoholic taste, and the texture is soft and slightly watery with the flesh colour normally pale yellow-white. From DoA record this variety found in ohor and Pahang respectively. 

9. DURIAN D13
Years before there are report that this variety are easily mistaken as Red Prawns in whichh tjis D13 durian has deep orange flesh that’s mostly sweet with flavours of bitterness sprinkled throughout. When I was at the Segamat District Agriculture Officer in 2000 - 2004 each durian season I am able to get this durian variety. Most of thes durian variety popular in Segamat District and North Muar District respectively. For me the season of this durian variety and durian eaters may find this D13 variety overall appeal too mild and unsatisfying accordingly. By comparison in which the D13’s seeds are also larger than other styles of durian in Malaysia in which is offset by an affordable price tag. However, from the experience in which teh flavor of D13 is sweet with subtle bitterness and their texture is sticky and not fibrous. With the flesh color are red orange (see photo) this variety are less popular times to come. There are few sequences article for this popular durian in Malaysia from Part 1 to Part 4 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2023).

Updated in June 2026.

TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Part 2)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruits also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that there are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agriculture Malaysia, the largest durian are grown in Johor about 19,766 ha producing for about 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing about 107,386 mt and also Kelantan for 8,667 ha producing about 41,815 mt in 2022. There are more that 224 durian varieties registered under National Plant Variety Registration with the Department of Agriculture where I was involved in the process of making it last time. I also write almost 800 articles about durian in "Anim Agro Technology'' blog in the past 15 years and read by millions. However, when it comes to every year's June to August durian season, When the “King of Fruits” season rolls around, all types of durians from Malaysia go on display waiting to be savored. Truthfully, our love affair with the thorny fruit is unquenchable, and many are willing to drain their wallets and go to great lengths for their favorites. In the article "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to share some basic information about some premium or popular durian varieties in Malaysia for your consideration.

4. DURIAN D24
This durian variety among the earliest popular durian in early years of clonal durian industry grown in Malaysia. For me this durian are the best durian in their ages long before. This durian variety are close rival to the Musang King in which at certain area and local the D24 durian is also sometimes called the ‘Sultan’ or the ‘D24 Sultan’. Actually, for me interestingly, the D24 used to occupy the bestseller spot in the 1990s before the Musang King was introduced into the market. The D24 is said to be subtler than the Musang King, but also shares a creamy texture and is often a good pick to introduce to durian newbies. Aside from its yellowish-green flesh, the relatively short stem of the D24 and the obvious brown ring. For me the flavor of D24 is mostly bitter with hints of sweetness and alcohol with its texture is robust, firm, and thick. Can be a little dry at times as their colour are pale yellow (See picture). This D24 durian mostly grown in the state of Johor, Pahang and Cameron Highlands in Pahang respectively.

(5) DURIAN HAJJAH HASMAH (D168)
This durian variety are also known asa Durian D101 with the registration number is D168 (not D101). This varie is mostly grown in Muar, Johor in which normally the D101 will combines the taste of bitterness, sweetness, and fibrous flesh into a delectable treat. It’s the perfect durian to satisfy your cravings without feeling the guilt, which also makes it accessible for elderly and young children! As the flesh is firmer than other types of Malaysian durians, it falls off the seed easily, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess. For me the flavour of durian D101 is bitter-sweet with the texture is fibrous and firm and their colour look as yellow with subtle orange tones. Other than Johor it was reporrted grown in Penang and Perak.

 

6. DURIAN GOLDEN PHOENIX

this variety also known as Durian Jin Feng in which mostly grown in Johor and Pahang respectively. Not many durian growers like to grow this variety due to certain technical aspect. If the Red Prawn Durian able to caters for those with a sweet tooth, then the Golden Phoenix with its needle-like thorns so called the nature’s gift to those hankering for something bitter. The pale and watery yellow flesh can sometimes be mistaken to be rotten, but there’s no mistaking the strong scent that follows this durian type (See photo). However due to its small size, many growers and consumer are forgiven for not realising that this is a durian at first glance with some specimens even mimicking the size of a regular mango. Normally this the Golden Phoenix dueian able to offer a substantial amount of flesh in which often earning it a reputation for being value-for-money. For me after testing this durian variety found that the flavour is bitter but occasionally sweet with the texture of less creamy with a watery texture. This flesh colour is pale yellow white. There are few sequence article for this popular durian in Malaysia from Part 1 to Part 4 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2023).

Updated in June 2026.

TASTE OF TOP DURIAN VARIETY IN MALAYSIA (Pt 1)

DURIAN IN MALAYSIA (Durio zibethinus) are one of the most popular fruit also known as 'King of The Fruits' locally. From my experience in agriculture sector for more than 35 years reported that thera are 85,366 hectares of durian grown in 2022 producing for 459,747 metrics tons of fresh fruit. According to Department of Agricuture Malaysia, the largest durian are grown in Johor about 19,766 ha producing for abouy 121,898 mt followed by in Pahang for 14,803 ha producing abour 107,386 mt and also Kelantan for 8,667 ha producing about 41,815 mt in 2022. There are more that 224 durian varieties registered under National Plant Variety Registration with the Department of Agriculture where I was involved in the process of making it last time. I also write almost 800 article about durian in "Anim Agro Technology'' blog in the past 15 years and read by millions. However, when it comes to every year's June to August durian season, When the “King Of Fruits” season rolls around, all types of durians from Malaysia go on display waiting to be savored. Truthfully, our love affair with the thorny fruit is unquenchable, and many are willing to drain their wallets and go to great lengths for their favorites. In the article "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to share some basic information about some premium or popular durian varieties in Malaysia for your consideration.

(1) MUSANG KING (D197)
This variety among the most popular durian in Malaysia or in the world. This Durian Musang King also known as Mao Shan Wang or MSW in which are similar to Durian Raja Kunyit before. For me I already tested the conventional fruit of durian musang king and organic fruit of durian musang king. Arguably for many durian lovers it was the most prestigious type of durian available in Malaysia and marketed ini Singapore, Indonesia and many other countries. Musang Kings are often grown in orchards largely in Raub, Pahang and many other states such as Johor and Pahang respectively. Its immense popularity is probably due to its rich taste and bright yellow-brown hue. Its creamy flesh leaves a lingering bittersweet taste on the taste buds. Its pyramid-shaped thorns and the star-shaped pattern at the base of the stem are the clearest giveaways. For me the flavour are Creamy and bitter-sweet in which the texture are butter-like thick flesh with the colour are Bright yellow.
 

2. Durian UDANG MERAH (D175)

This variety also known as Red Prawn Durian or Hong Xia Durian that was popular based in Pulau Pinang. The flesh of the Red Prawn is very different from other durians as it usually has an orange to red hue. The taste of this durian depends on the age of the tree on which it grew, with younger trees producing sweet fruit while older ones produced more bitter sweet fruit. The Red Prawn is closer to being a “dessert” than other types of durians in Malaysia. Creamy and rich, there’s an obvious absence of bitterness in the reddish flesh, but that’s replaced with memorable sweetness. The Red Prawn durian is characterised by its brownish colour as well as its short thorns that sprout far apart from each other. When I tested the fruit many times found that the flavour is sweet, the texture is creamy but can be slightly watery with the colour lokk like as red orange respectively.

3. DURIAN TEKKA (160)

This durian variety are also known as Durian Green Bamboo in which is also known as the Musang Queen and it comes on the tail of the Musang King’s reputation. However, Durian Tekka stands on its own for its consistent texture and bitterness although it doesn’t look like much. In terms of rarity among the types of durians in Malaysia, the Tekka is quite hard to come by so don't miss it when you come across it. Durian tekka reported mostly grown in Johor. For me after act as the Durian Festival Judge in Penang Durian Competition found that the flavour of Durian Tekka is bitter with overlaying tartness with the texture is moist and wrinkly and breaking easily. Their colour are pale and almost-white yellow with significance taste. There are few sequences article for this popular durian in Malaysia from Part 1 to Part 4 respectively. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2023).

Updated in June 2026.