Yusof Md Isa,64, arranging the banana leaves used to wrap the bamboo stick to cook lemang at his roadside stall in Jabi Pokok Sena in Alor Setar. Yusof plan to prepare 18,000 tubes of lemang for the whole month of Syawal. (March 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star.
ALOR SETAR: Some 2,000 kg of coconut milk, 4,500 kg of glutinous rice, and 10,000 kg of firewood - these are the ingredients padi farmer Yusof Md Isa needs as he starts to prepare 20,000 bamboo tubes of lemang.
To ensure smooth operations, the 64-year-old and his family began preparations weeks in advance, sourcing ingredients in bulk to minimise costs.
He also hired 12 workers to assist with the cooking process, ensuring orders are fulfilled on time for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He expects his stall in Pokok Sena to be crowded on the eve of Hari Raya, as people return to their hometowns in Alor Setar and the surrounding areas.
Among his customers was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s team, which ordered 1,500 tubes from him last year.
"Last year, I sold about 18,000 tubes of lemang for the whole month of Syawal.
"This year, I believe I can sell up to 20,000 tubes as I have received bulk orders from government agencies, businesses, mosques and organisations for charity events and family gatherings.
"The highest demand will usually come on the eve of Hari Raya, with long queues forming at my stall for freshly made lemang.
"'Many customers return every year for the authentic taste and the care we put into each batch," he said.
To attract a wider customer base, Yusof also offers rendang, serunding and kuih raya to complement the lemang.
With over 20 years in the business, he only sells lemang during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji.
"For Hari Raya Haji, we only sell for a few days, unlike Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which lasts the whole month," he said, who is assisted by his wife Che Puan Harun, 56, children and relatives.
This year, Yusof raised the price of his lemang due to increases in the cost of coconut milk, glutinous rice and firewood.
Despite the higher costs, he remains committed to preserving the quality and traditional taste of his lemang.
"Prices range from RM13 to RM22, compared to RM10 to RM18 last year.
"We keep prices reasonable while maintaining the traditional method of cooking over firewood, which gives lemang its authentic smoky flavour," he said.
