Keeping smoke at bay: The workers are attracting attention with their one-of-a-kind protection gear. — Photo courtesy of Sinar Harian
A STALL selling kuih bakar in Kuala Terengganu stands out with its workers donning particulate respirators and goggles, Sinar Harian reported.
The owner, Nor Azilah Ali, 41, said they started using the masks since 2021 to withstand the heat and billowing smoke when preparing the traditional Malay cake in Kampung Padang Tengir, Manir.
The idea came from her brother-in-law who worked in the oil and gas industry.
She explained that the process to prepare and grill the snack would take about four to five hours daily.
“Due to the intense heat and smoke, my husband and I decided to get these gadgets to make it more comfortable for our workers,” she said.
Nor Azilah said she had been grilling without wearing masks for years.
“My eyes were always stung by the smoke and heat, and tearing,” said the mother of three who has been making and selling kuih bakar for about 10 years.
She is assisted by her husband, a younger sister and two workers.
Despite the various modern ways of preparing kuih bakar, Nor Azilah said she prefers to rely on the 25-year legacy of a relative by sticking to the traditional method.
“This traditional style produces an aroma that is unlike that of the modern method.
“We continue to use firewood, charcoal, coir and coconut shells to produce the proper fuel to grill the snack evenly,” she said.
The stall also sells other snacks such as kuih akok, bakernyior and bahulu.
> Actress Bella Astillah has apologised for her dressing after she caught flak for it.
Kosmo! reported that the 30-year-old star was heavily criticised by netizens after she was seen in a TikTok video walking down a flight of stairs in a green dress with a high slit that shows her thighs.
They said the attire – given to her by a fashion designer – is unsuitable for her as a wife and mother.
“I am only human and I apologise if anyone is uncomfortable seeing me in that dress.
“After this, I will be more careful with my choice of clothing. That dress is for review only,” she told the daily at an event in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Bella, who is married to actor and singer Aliff Aziz, said she is open to criticism in regard to her dressing.
“In fact, my husband gave his views on every dress that I wore previously.
“This time it was my own mistake and I can’t blame anyone for it,” said the star whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang.
● The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
