80-year-old Durian Bukit Batu tree wins premium kampung durian competition

A durian from a tree nearly 80 years old has been crowned the champion at the Jerantut premium kampung durian competition. Husain A. Razak's Durian Bukit Batu, planted by his father around 1944, captivated the judges and secured the top prize.

“

As far as I remember, when it was first planted, there were only five Durian Bukit Batu trees that my father cultivated from seed.

Husain, 63, received RM500 and a souvenir for his victory. The second prize went to Mohd. Haslah Mohamed for his De Kampung Perlok durian, and Abd. Rani Abd. Razak secured third place with Anak Gajah durian. Husain expressed surprise that the Durian Bukit Batu, initially one of five trees his father planted from seed, still held such appeal.

“

For the past two seasons, only one Durian Bukit Batu tree has borne fruit, and this season it yielded about 60 fruits.

He noted that only one Durian Bukit Batu tree has been fruiting for the past two seasons, yielding about 60 fruits this season. Encouraged by fellow growers, Husain entered the competition, confident in his durian's quality, aroma, and established market presence among enthusiasts. The winning durian, characterized by its creamy, slightly sweet, sticky texture and orange flesh, sells for RM30 per kilogram in Damak town.

“

I felt I couldn't believe Durian Bukit Batu captured the taste and interest of the competition judges until it was announced as the champion.