LANGKAWI: Its striking yellow and creamy texture has earned "Adik Manis" the top spot in Langkawi district's Premium Kampung Durian Variety Competition 2024, defeating 19 other contenders.
Local durian orchard owner, Rashid Rusle, 28, said he did not expect his maiden participation in the competition would land him a "crowning" victory.
"Little did I expect that this variety from my orchard in Kampung Sungai Itau would defeat 19 other contenders to emerge as the winner because the other 'kampung' durians are also of high quality," he said.
Rashid said his orchard, which had some 200 durian trees, was planted by his grandfather decades ago, before being passed down to his father, Rusle Mat Ariff, 61.
Rashid walked home with RM500 cash and a hamper.
The runner-up title was won by Ahmad Murad, 73, from Kampung Bukit Lembu, who submitted his variety named "Hijau Menawan".
Abd Muien Abd Jalil, 58, from Kampung Bohor Merah, clinched the third spot with his "Cahaya Kasih" durian.
They each won RM300 and RM200 and a hamper, respectively.
Langkawi district officer Mohamad Subhi Abdullah presented the prizes at Langkawi District Agriculture Office today.
Present were state Agriculture Department deputy director Rozaidi Abdul Rahman and Langkawi Agriculture Officer Khozaid Mansor.