KUCHING: ‘Suman Lemantak’, is a unique traditional food of the Malay community in Kabong.
Suman is a traditional food that is quite popular among the local community in the Betong area, especially in the Spaoh, Pusa, and Saratok.
Sarawak is one of the states quite famous for its traditional food due to the diversity of races and ethnicities in the region, making this land unique.
In fact, every race including the Malays has its own traditional food. This time, we will reveal a unique dish and also a traditional food of the Malays in Sarawak which is Suman.
Nur Adlina Mohammad, 23 years old, from Kampung Hulu Laut Kabong started the business together with her late mother after finishing high school to gain experience in making traditional cakes and now she continues doing the same business.
“I usually made Suman every Saturday and Sunday, and start selling it from 8.00 am until it is sold out,” said Adlina to the New Sarawak Tribune.
“For the time being, my husband assists me in preparing the suman and he also helps me in delivering the suman to the customers,” she added.
“Suman is produced using ‘lemantak’ flour and grated coconut mixed with seafood such as prawns, squid and even stingray fish liver.
“This ‘suman lemantak’ is usually grilled over the coals of fire after all the ingredients are placed in the ‘apong’ (nipah) leaf or made into ‘pais’ (in the local language).
“Usually, this suman lemantak were sold at a reasonable price of around RM1.50 to RM2.50 each. This dish is suitable for breakfast and afternoon tea,” she added.
“After getting married to my husband, I migrated to Kuching and I started selling suman at Kampung Santubong,
“It is normal in business, there will always competitors and I’m still weak in financial management and also it is hard for me to get the material used to make suman because I have to go to the town and get the ingredients at Medan Niaga Kubah Ria there,” she said.
Apart from that, she said that looking for raw materials in wholesale such as shrimp and squid and looking for stock of young leaves is very difficult especially in urban areas.
According to Adlina, she uses social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook to promote her small business.
“My routine starts by ensuring the sales area always clean by sweeping and throwing away trash before selling the suman.
“My late mother supported me a lot in doing this suman business.
“I hope, that my dream in business is to be successful in making this traditional cake and will not be forgotten in the future.
“To all Small Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) out there, do not to give up in a business but rather continue trying to achieve what we dream of in business so that we are both successful in the field.
“Always be patient with the upcoming obstacles,” she said.
Any inquiries please do contact Facebook Nur Adlina Mohammad for reservation.
