Four years after leaving her marketing job, a home-based entrepreneur has turned a passion for crafting decorative pulut kuning (turmeric glutinous rice) into a thriving business.
Operating from her Kampung Gong Cokoh home in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, Nortiny Nawi has seen growing demand for her arrangements, which are favourites for thanksgiving feasts, birthdays and bridal table dinners.
“The price for each arrangement ranges from RM100 to RM280, depending on the weight of the rice and complexity of the design,” she told Bernama at Kelantan Folk Arts Festival (FKRK) in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh.
Her talent earned her the top prize at the festival’s contest, where she impressed judges with an 8kg pulut kuning arrangement with floral carvings made from white radish.
Nortiny, 46, said her interest in cooking began in her teens, but she only pursued it seriously these last few years.
“While working at a resort, I often spent my free time observing the chefs in the kitchen, which further deepened my interest in cooking,” she said.
Nortiny, who can accept up to six orders a day, said the work required dedication, often beginning as early as 3am to steam the rice before it is kneaded, cooled and shaped.
“Although the routine can be tiring, my passion for this craft keeps me motivated.
“Every compliment from a customer inspires me to continue improving my work.”
Nortiny hopes to expand her business by operating from larger premises in the future.
