Tributes pour in following passing of influential baker Osmayani Othman, The Kitchen Guardian

SHAH ALAM - Osmayani Othman, local food blogger known as ‘The Kitchen Guardian,’ passed away on Nov 10 at the age of 56 after a battle with acute leukaemia.

Known affectionately by her followers as ‘Kak Yani,’ Osmayani’s legacy endures through her recipes, her kindness and the support she provided to the local baking community.

The news of Osmayani's passing was shared in a message believed to be written by her child.

“Innalilahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful. Dear family and friends, with a heavy heart, I share the passing of my beloved mother, Osmayani Othman, who returned to the Creator at 1.01am.

“May Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah. I humbly ask for your prayers, reciting Al-Fatihah and Yassin for her soul. I will share updates on the location for her funeral prayers and burial in due course,” the message read.

Osmayani first opened up about her illness to her followers on Instagram in April.

She expressed deep gratitude, gracefully announcing her permanent retirement from baking and teaching classes.

“Peace be upon you, may this message find you in Allah's mercy. I have recently discovered that I have acute leukaemia. Allah is the best disposer of affairs, Alhamdulillah. I wish to inform everyone that I am taking a permanent break from baking and teaching classes.

“Thank you for your well wishes, I apologise for not being able to reply to all. I am also sorry for any wrongdoings or if I have unintentionally hurt anyone with my words or actions. I hold no ill feelings towards anyone. Jazakallah Khair. Please keep me in your prayers,” she said.

In the hours following her passing, tributes flooded in from bakers and followers who admired her skill, her open-hearted teaching and her generosity.

Instagram user @whtthe_fudge described Osmayani as a beacon of light for many local bakers and praised her legacy.

“She has been a source of inspiration for so many in our local baking community. Though I never had the chance to meet her in person, I have only heard words of kindness and admiration for her.

“May her legacy live on in the recipes she shared so generously, and may Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah among the righteous,” @whtthe_fudge said.

Another baker, @helloprettyshuga, who was once her student, fondly remembered Osmayani’s humble nature, recounting her kindness in teaching and sharing recipes.

“May she be granted forgiveness, have her grave widened and be placed among the righteous. Kak Yani (Osmayani) shared so many good deeds by sharing recipes, etc. I knew her through my mum, who was one of her fans (through her blog).

“I was also one of her students back in 2016. All her recipes were delicious and turned out perfectly. She was very humble and motherly,” @helloprettyshuga said.

Comments on her final Instagram post reflect a deep love and admiration for the baker and mentor who touched many lives with her food and kindness.

A follower, @nz_hanim_, shared a touching memory of visiting Osmayani’s cafe.

“As a part-time baker with limited skills, I travelled a long distance to visit Kak Yani's cafe. Meeting her was a true blessing and I never expected someone as renowned as Kak Yani to be so kind and approachable.

“Despite being a stranger, she welcomed me into her workspace with warmth and generosity. We chatted as if we had known each other for years and she kept apologising, which truly touched my heart.

“I deeply admire her graciousness and character and I strive to embody the same qualities. May Allah SWT grant Kak Yani the highest place in Jannah and may the knowledge she imparted to me and others continue to bring benefit,” she said.

Other followers, like @cakeworm and @eleenor79, offered their condolences and prayers for her, asking for Allah’s mercy and peace for her soul.

Many praised her generous spirit, her patience and the joy she brought to others through her cooking and baking.