KUCHING : What can be more satisfying than cuddling up with snacks and crunching them, especially when you are on a marathon — viewing session of your favourite TV shows at night?
Many Malaysians cannot resist the taste of keropok (crisps/chips). Have you tasted the CrackTack Spicy Balado? Trust me, the spicy taste and piquant aroma of this cracker will definitely leave you breathless.
This Spicy Balado snack, based on the Indonesian cuisine in West Sumatra, was introduced to local consumers by Azri Asyraf Mohd Soffian, a 20-year-old man who has been using a wheelchair since young.
Azri said he had the urge to venture into the food snack business just over two months ago during the movement control order (MCO).
“I personally felt the impact on our family’s financial situation and realised I had to do something,” he told New Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview.
He said his interest in experimenting with new recipes began when he became a protégé of his aunties, Amira Abdillah and Effy Afyza Yusuf, who are the co-founders of the CrackTack.
“It is not easy for special needs people like me to find jobs. The only way to prove that people like me are also capable of contributing to the economy is to venture into business.
“There are so many types of keropok for sale nowadays. I think the selling of niche products is important to drum up one’s business branding. Balado is our main product.
Asri’s Spicy Balado CrackTack. 
New flavour, Coco Locho chocolate.
“The Balado is home-made. It is made with fresh herbs and ingredients. Developing this special recipe truly needs a lot of practice and hard work,” he added.
In his journey as a newbie entrepreneur, Azri is grateful he has strong family support.
“I am blessed to have strong support from my big family. Their continuous support gives meaning to my life. I do not see my disability as a hindrance,” he said.
