KUALA TERENGGANU: At a time when many entrepreneurs are at their wits’ end in ensuring the survival of their business amid the Covid-19 pandemic, several nasi dagang sellers in Terengganu have been savvy enough to expand their business by going online to market spices and instant paste for the traditional dish.
Nasi Dagang Atas Tol owner, Tuan Saidatul Jamilah Tuan Zainuddin, said she began to sell her nasi dagang spices and paste online after having to close her restaurant when the movement control order (MCO) came into force on March 18.
“There was high demand during the months of Ramadan and Syawal as many buyers were those from Terengganu but who could not return to their hometown to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri due to the MCO.
“The feedback we received was very encouraging.
“The buyers were thankful as they were able to satisfy cravings for their favourite traditional food without having to come to Terengganu, ” she said.
Saidatul, 28, started her nasi dagang business in 2014 and has opened four branches in Terengganu.
Nasi dagang Terengganu is a dish consisting of rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and extra ingredients such as pickled cucumber and carrots.
Saidatul said she sold the paste and spices across the country, which provided her with continued income during the MCO.
Another nasi dagang seller, Mariah Juhari, 59, said she hoped more Malaysians could enjoy the traditional food everywhere at their convenience by using the paste and spices under the Dapur Mok Bonda brand name.
“Customers only need to add coconut milk and their favourite raw items such as chicken, beef or fish.
“This is very convenient for people, especially those who are working full-time but wish to cook a delicious nasi dagang meal for their families.
“I am lucky because my children help me to market the spices and paste through online platforms, ” said Mariah.
The implementation of MCO also resulted in a new experience for contract teacher Saidatina Nur Ain Mohd Salleh, 26.
She became involved in the business world when she started to market Nasi Dagang Haji Mat spices, a business run by her parents.
“My parents have been in the catering business for a long time and have been taking orders for nasi dagang, nasi minyak, Arab rice and Bukhari rice.
“During the MCO, I was worried about my career and after discussing with my family, I started promoting our spices to my friends.
“So far response has been positive, ” she said. –- Bernama
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