Lorry driver makes Hari Raya more inclusive with budget-friendly lemang

MELAKA - Intent on sharing blessings and ensuring that the less fortunate can also enjoy lemang during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Samsudin Ishak is generously offering Rahmah Lemang at RM7 per piece.

Samsudin, 42, a veteran lemang seller with two decades of experience, introduced this initiative, targeting the sale of 500 pieces, but he is open to expanding the offer based on customer response.

"The Rahmah Lemang is about 18 inches long with a diameter of around 1.5 inches... It is reasonably priced compared to regular lemang, which usually sells for over RM20 per piece.

"The idea came about due to the current economic situation. I hope that the less privileged can also afford to serve lemang during the festive season," he said during an interview at the Lemang 40 stall in Limbongan recently.

He acknowledged that while the profit margin per piece is not substantial, he finds fulfillment in knowing that he can help ease his customers’ financial burdens.

He mentioned that previously, lemang was sold for as low as RM10 per piece, but this year, the traditional compulsory delicacy for Hari Raya, is being sold between RM12 and RM20 per piece.

Samsudin, who works as a lorry driver, stated that he sells lemang from mid-Ramadan until the end of Syawal.

He manages to sell approximately 8,000 lemang annually, from 10 in the morning until everything is sold out.

He also operates a lemang stall on Jalan Pokok Mangga and remains open to accepting orders beyond the Ramadan month if there is demand.

"We open the lemang in front of the customer to ensure its quality, making sure it's neither too hard nor undercooked... if it is not cooked well, we'll gladly replace it with a fresh one," he added. - BERNAMA