KEROPOK lekor is typically made from tamban (a type of sardine) or ikan parang (wolf herring) fish, but Rosnani Che Ghazali has chosen to use kebasi (chacunda gizzard shad) fish as the main ingredient for the popular snack.
The enterprising woman from Pulau Tuba in Langkawi, Kedah, said her efforts to create something unique has paid off, since her keropok lekor, branded as “Lekoshow Keda Pulau Tuba”, has become one of the main attractions for tourists visiting the island.
“I’ve been producing keropok lekor for the past seven years with the help of three friends.
“The fish processing machine and equipment for making keropok lekor were provided by the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda).
“I also recently received assistance from the Langkawi Development Authority.
“Before I started making keropok lekor, Keda sent me to Terengganu to learn how to make it.
“I initially found it very challenging but with the support and encouragement from various parties, I eventually succeeded,” said Rosnani, noting that she is the sole producer of keropok lekor on Pulau Tuba.
Rosnani added that her production centre for Lekoshow, located in Kampung Keda Teluk Berembang, had now become a must-visit stop for tourists coming to Pulau Tuba.
“Visitors can see firsthand how fresh kebasi fish is processed into keropok lekor.
“They can enjoy the hot keropok lekor right after it’s fried or buy some as souvenirs to take home.
“Kebasi fish is abundant here. Keropok lekor made with kebasi is much tastier compared to using tamban. It has a softer texture and is of better quality,” she said in a Bernama report.
Rosnani said because of high demand, the staff of Lekoshow process between 100kg and 200kg of kebasi fish, also known as selangat, sourced from local fishermen on the island each day.
“Sometimes we process up to 400kg a day because there are now many tourists visiting Lekoshow’s production centre as it has become increasingly popular,” she said.
The 49-year-old entrepreneur expressed her gratitude for the significant support from Keda in promoting Lekoshow through various expositions and entrepreneurial carnivals outside Pulau Tuba, which had a very positive impact on her business.
“I am very thankful that through Lekoshow, the women of this island can supplement their family income, as the returns have been very encouraging so far,” said Rosnani.
Lekoshow also received contributions in the form of machinery and business equipment under the Madani Village Adoption Programme from the Finance Ministry and welcomed a visit from Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to Pulau Tuba.
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