A time to cherish

HARI Raya is always a time to celebrate and strengthen family ties for the Meera Sahib family.

Mohamed Meera Sahib said they would take a much-needed break on the first day of Raya from running their family business at Mohamed Meera Sahib (M) Sdn Bhd.

“Usually, the store would be closed on the first and second day of Raya. This is also the only time we are closed in 365 days.

“We work hard all year round. So we deserve to take a break and catch up with our relatives,” said Mohamed Meera who is the director of the company.

He said one sister arrived from Kuala Lumpur on Saturday while another from Singapore would be arriving after Wednesday.

“The morning of Raya begins with everyone getting up at 4am.

“The ladies in the house will get dressed and start cooking for the day while the men will perform the morning prayers at home before going to the mosque for the Raya prayers,” he said.

Mohamed Meera added that the family would then have their first meal of vattalappam (Indian coconut milk and egg custard) and putumayam with curry chicken.

“These delicacies are traditional for most Indian Muslims during Raya. The Malays will usually have ketupat and lemang,” he said.

Mohamed Meera said for lunch, they would eat briyani with dalca and mutton curry cooked by his wife, his sister-in-law and his mother.

“We are inviting all our friends to join us. Even my 20 employees will be invited,” he said, adding that he would be giving out duit raya to his employees.

“In the evening, we will start visiting relatives in Penang,” he added.

Mohamed Meera has been running the business with the help of his elder brother.

Mohamed Meera Sahib was established at 116, Penang Street in 1954.

The company, known for its spices, dates and other goods, has a loyal following because of its competitive pricing and good service.