‘Lemang bukit’ hits its peak
Man sells at least 130 sticks a day despite MCO challenges
KLANG: Abdul Samad Wardi’s signature “lemang bukit” has been a hit after he began making it last week.
Despite the conditional movement control order (MCO), Abdul Samad, from Kampung Bukit Badak here, said orders have been flooding in with at least 130 sticks sold a day on weekdays and double that on weekends.
He has offered the traditional delicacy come every Hari Raya for the past 14 years.
“I thought sales would be down this year as people were not allowed to travel or balik kampung but things turned out the opposite.
“I think my customers buy my lemang for their buka puasa, supper and pre-dawn meals since there are no Ramadan bazaars allowed,” he said in an interview.
Cooked on a fire using mangrove wood, which produces a more stable flame, the lemang is sold for between RM12 and RM16 each depending on the size.
“My price has remained unchanged for the past six years despite the increase in prices of the ingredients.
“I don’t mind getting a lower margin as long as my regular customers are happy.
“They always come back to me every year,” said Abdul Samad, who also sells chicken and beef rendang to go along with the lemang, as well as dodol for the festive season.
The father of four who had to stop selling fried chicken at night markets since the MCO was enforced, said his eldest son helps him to advertise his lemang on several community groups on social media.
Aided by seven helpers, the 50-year-old said his team works some 10 hours a day to make lemang and dodol.
“With Hari Raya approaching, we will work longer hours in anticipation of more orders,” he said, adding that he foresees outselling last year’s record of 8,000 sticks of lemang.