DUNGUN: Rahimah Ahmad, who has a passion for cooking a variety of traditional Malay delicacies, has never been tired of experimenting with new recipes including dishing out different types of mooncakes.
Frustrated with her attempts to achieve a truly delicious mooncake recipe, Rahimah, 54, enrolled in a baking class conducted by a famous chef in early 2017.
Rahimah, affectionately known as Kak Long, said from the class she gathered several tips and secrets and was able to produce delicious mooncakes while retaining their originality.
“The RM300 I paid for the class was very worthwhile because after all the knowledge that I gained my first attempt was a success.
“Following that I had repeat orders and apart from the traditional Malay delicacies the mooncake business has been my source of income,” she told Bernama when met at her home at Kampung Sura Tengah here.
Rahimah who had earlier been receiving monthly financial assistance of RM200 from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), suffers from diabetes and nerve disorders and has been operating the business from home.
“After noticing my efforts in selling mooncakes, JKM recommended me to participate in the ‘2 Years Exit Programme (2YEP)’ aimed at helping participants earn an income to get out of poverty.
“Under the programme I was given a financial aid of RM2,700 to purchase an oven and a refrigerator to improve on the production process. I was also given entrepreneurial guidance and monitored from time to time,” said Rahimah, who has a growing number of Chinese clientele.
Rahimah no longer receives aid from JKM.
She now employs a worker to assist her in the preparation and baking of the traditional delicacies to cater to orders from oil and gas companies around Paka as well as those buying gifts for festive treats. – Bernama
