Over 600kg of durian served at two fruit feasts in George Town

SOME 300kg of durians were served to pressmen and guests during the annual “King of Fruits” party hosted by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the Lebuh Acheh community hall in inner George Town.

Chow said the party was eagerly anticipated by those present, as they had the opportunity to savour the finest durians that Penang had to offer.

“I find myself unable to resist the durian and in a single sitting, I can easily eat up to seven or eight of the fleshy pods,” he added.

Among the types of durian served to the more than 100 people in attendance were Black Thorn, Musang King, Capri, Gourd, Red Prawn, Bak Eu, 604 and Tiansong from an orchard in Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau.

The Red Prawn and Gourd varieties of durian were affected by the severe hot weather, resulting in poor quality fruits.

Nanyang Siang Pau reporter Wong Soon Eng, 59, said these two varieties might have been limited but the taste of the famous Black Thorn, Musang King and 604 more than made up for it.

Lim (in white) with Wong (on her right) and her team members at the Lee Sih Chong Soo in Jalan Burma. — Photos: KT GOH and CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Elsewhere, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying also had a durian party at Lee Sih Chong Soo (Lee Kongsi) in Jalan Burma for more than 150 people comprising her family, team members and pressmen.

She said more than 360kg of durian and rambutan were served as a gesture of thanks for their hard work.

This was the first time she held such a durian party, she added.

“I had wanted to hold such a party last year, but it was at the end of the durian season and I was concerned that the quality would not be as good as peak period.

“I may make this an annual event as everyone seems to be enjoying the 12 types of durian which I ordered from an orchard in Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau,” she added.

Also present were her parents DAP stalwart Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and Puan Sri Neo Yoke Tee, and brother Lim Guan Eng, who is DAP chairman, Thai consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and Penang island city councillor Nicholas Theng.