Wong preparing beverages for customers.
Wong Jiu Leng is proud of the fact that her stall is well-known in Sibu, Sarawak.
The humble yet popular Kedai Bukit Assek “Ah Hua” is located at Sibu Central Market Food Court.
According to Wong, who inherited the business from her father, people from near and far are attracted to the stall’s affordable ABC Special beverage priced at RM4, Bubur Buang Panas (RM2), cendol (RM2), rojak (RM6) and especially its kompia (Foochow bagel) which comes with three different fillings and priced between 70sen and RM1.20 a piece.
The 57-year-old said her father started the business with a stall on the roadside of Jalan Bukit Assek in 1963 when he was just 20 years old.
“At 13, he was already going around the town on a bicycle, selling cendol and rojak.
“After saving enough money, he opened a small roadside stall in front of SRK St Rita.
“This is how people know him until today,” said Wong.
Business was brisk and the patriarch was asked by the local council to relocate to the Central Market.
The stall still prepares its food and beverages the traditional way.
“Business here is just as good as the old place as we still have our regular customers.
“On weekends and public holidays, I even have to turn down those who want to tapau (takeaway) as I cannot cope manning the stall alone,” said Wong.
The kompia is priced between 70sen and RM1.20 a piece.
Her father, now 82, handed the entire business to her six months ago.
“I have been helping him out for the past 12 years and acquired all the food and drink preparation skills from him.
“As I am interested in the food business, I am more than happy to take over from him,” she added.
Wong said customers preferred the mince meat kompia, which sold for RM1.20, over the plain and rojak sauce versions.
“I also serve kompia with peanut butter and kaya at the request of some customers,” she said.
Asked on the future of the stall should she retire one day, she said: “I will work for as long as I can.
“But I am not sure now who will continue with the business as my three grown children are working in peninsular Malaysia and do not seem interested in this line.”
