STATE Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai officially opened Dking’s newest Durian Experience Centre on Jalan Macalister in George Town today, further strengthening Penang’s reputation as a top destination for food and durian lovers alike.
To mark the occasion, Wong and Dking’s northern region director Bernard Seow led the ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of a striking 13-foot 3D Black Thorn durian sculpture at the outlet’s entrance.
This is Dking’s sixth outlet, following locations at Dking SS2 in Petaling Jaya, Dking KLCC, Dking Bukit Bintang, Dking Jonker, and Rimba By Dking.
Highlighting Penang’s many attractions, including its UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, stunning beaches, and vibrant culinary scene, Wong noted that durian, the King of Fruits, holds a special place in people’s hearts.
From late May to August, he said, visitors from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries make their way to Penang to indulge in its world-renowned durians.
“The quality and taste of Penang’s durians have long been a major draw, attracting countless visitors year after year.
“Penang is a paradise for durian lovers. What makes our durians truly special is that they ripen naturally on the trees. This process gives them an exquisite texture and taste that frozen durians, which often lose some of their distinct quality, cannot replicate. Here in Penang, we are proud to offer some of the finest varieties, including the highly sought-after Black Thorn, Red Prawn, Musang King and many more,” Wong said in his speech.
He added that the durian sculpture is more than just an eye-catching landmark; it symbolises the state’s commitment to promoting its agricultural heritage and showcasing Penang’s finest durians to the world.
“Dking is a brand dedicated to delivering great durian experiences. I hope that they can maintain their commitment to quality and consistency.
“Beyond fresh durians, Dking also offers a variety of delicious durian-based products, including their best-selling Durian Cendol, Durian Coffee and Durian Dodol – perfect souvenirs for visitors to take home and share with family and friends,” Wong added.
Also present at the launch were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Island City Council councillor Benji Ang, Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association vice-president Jessie Ong, Dking founders Simon Chin, Leron Lee and K.J. Lee, and DSEAFOOD partner Johnny Lee.
According to Chin, Dking began in 2009 as a durian exporter before expanding into retail in 2019 with a premium outlet in SS2, Petaling Jaya – one of the largest durian experience centres, spanning 15,000 square feet.
“Durians, especially Musang King, have become more than just a fruit; they have become a pride of our nation. Musang King is recognised as Malaysia’s signature durian. We have Hong Kong tourists who fly in just to enjoy them. Our business spans export, retail, and manufacturing,” Chin said.
Supporting his statement, Chin shared that Dking has presented durians to overseas delegations, including during visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Barack Obama. The brand has also hosted durian parties during parliamentary sessions.
Following the launch, Wong, Teh, and other distinguished guests toured the Dking Durian Experience Center and sampled a variety of durians.
Among those present was Australian John Payne, a retired boat builder, accompanied by his Penang-born wife, Ahleyce Tan.
Asked for his thoughts on the durians served, Payne, who speaks both Bahasa Malaysia and Hokkien, said: “Sedap (delicious). I’ve been eating durians for 20 years. In fact, I was at SS2 last year to enjoy them.
“My Western friends can’t handle the taste and smell, but to me, ‘chin ho chiak’ (very delicious),” he added.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Lim Min Jun