AFTER operating for a decade, D’Labu’s Lemang Periuk Kera in Seremban continues to enjoy strong demand, particularly in the lead-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The distinctive flavour of its authentic lemang, paired with spicy Rendang Ayam Cili Api, has earned the family-run business a loyal following.
Founded by Zuraidah Abd Rahman, 55, the enterprise is now managed by her youngest daughter Shaihi Nur Izza Shawal, 27, who is expanding the brand’s reach.
Shaihi, who runs the business with her husband Muhammad Zarif Danish Shahrudin, 27, said they had developed a network of agents in several states, including Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya and Melaka, to meet growing customer demand.
She told Bernama that the periuk kera (pitcher plant) casings were sourced from a regular supplier in Bera, Pahang.
“We require between 800 and 1,000 casings daily.
“Demand increases significantly during the festive season, reaching up to 15,000 casings, compared with only about 300 when we first started.
“Throughout our years of operation, supply has never been severely disrupted, except during the rainy season and the Covid-19 pandemic when movement restrictions reduced harvesting activities,” said Shaihi.
The information technology graduate also undertook her own research and development to identify proper storage techniques, enabling the casings to last up to a month without damage.
“Before the monsoon season, we increase our orders and stock up to ensure an uninterrupted supply, as we cook about 800 pieces of lemang periuk kera daily.
“Each batch takes about an hour to prepare,” she said.
The mother-of-one added that they were preparing more than 10,000 pieces of lemang periuk kera, at the time of writing, for the Raya celebrations.
The lemang periuk kera is sold at RM19 per set, which includes four to five pieces served with Rendang Ayam Cili Api.
Shaihi, who also operates Kafe D’Z along Jalan Mantau-Sendayan, said demand continues to grow.
To further expand the business, she is in the process of applying for the Young Agropreneur Grant under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority.
