Put 'ulam' on your plate this Raya, get to know local herbs, says Malaysian author

Umi says her books 'Di Laman Herba' and 'Herba Selangor Warisan Rahsia Bonda' were written to introduce herbs to young children and encourage the concept of a community garden respectively. Photo: The Star/Zhafaran Nasib

Sitting on the wooden swing tied to a tree branch near the edge of the jungle in Penang, the little girl relished the tickling of the pegaga (a local herb) beneath her feet. It is a warm memory and one filled with wonder.

At that time, little Umi didn’t understand why her parents loved to eat pegaga, which was so bitter.