IPOH: “Aiskrim Malaysia”, the beloved colourful frozen popsicle, has become a source of livelihood for a single mother in Kuala Kangsar, who runs the business from her father’s small bookstore.
Syazaina Arham Yahya Ariff, 45, has been supporting herself and her 16-year-old son since her divorce in 2016.
She began making and selling the treat in plastic tubes 10 years ago from a small space inside the bookstore in Kuala Kangsar.
“During Ramadan, it can serve as a thirst quencher, especially when enjoyed chilled after breaking fast or as a refreshment for moreh.
“People also usually buy it to donate to mosques for consumption after terawih prayers, and factories order it for breaking fast with their staff members,” she said, adding that each tube only costs 70 sen.
Syazaina Arham said the ice cream is produced and stored at the shop.
She started out with four different flavours but now makes about 10, including chocolate, dark chocolate with vanilla, honeydew, strawberry, soda bandung, sour plum, mango, corn, lychee and grape.
“For 100 sticks, it can be made in two hours and 30 minutes, and for it to harden, it takes about one and a half days.
“In a day, I only make 100 sticks because if I put too many in the freezer, it takes longer for them to harden.
“In the future, there are plans to make red bean, roselle and butterfly pea flower flavours. I have made them before but it is difficult to get the stock,” she said.
Besides Aiskrim Malaysia, she has also been selling telekung (prayer garments for women) both online and from her father’s bookstore since 2021.
Syazaina Arham said the garments come in three main types: plain, embroidered and printed.
“The embroidered sets are particularly popular among women aged 40 and above, and come with a matching travel pouch, making them convenient for trips or pilgrimages,” she said.
“Younger customers tend to prefer simpler, plain designs.
“White telekung are often sought after by those performing the umrah pilgrimage, especially during Ramadan, while other buyers opt for colours such as sky blue, lavender, rose pink, apple green and black for everyday use,” she added.
Syazaina Arham said sales typically rise during the fasting month and the lead-up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“During Ramadan, women attend tarawih prayers and many like to have a few telekung to rotate. For Hari Raya, people usually want to buy them as gifts for family and friends,” she said.
