JUST mention ‘umai’ and one immediately thinks of Mukah, where this traditional dish of the Melanau people originates.
The taste of fresh fish, served with mixed sambal complete with sliced onions, salt, and a squeeze of calamansi lime juice, creates a unique aroma and flavour.
Visitors surely will not miss the opportunity to experience the unique taste of fresh fish ‘umai’ prepared by local vendors.
One such vendor at the Mukah Tamu Market, Sebeli Mensalleh, 63, said his stall currently offers three types of fish ‘umai’: ‘pirang’, ‘puput’, and ‘haruan’.
He emphasised the importance of the freshness of the fish as it greatly influences the taste of the dish.
“The prices are very reasonable, with one container of ‘pirang’ and ‘puput’ fish ‘umai’ priced at only RM12, while ‘haruan’ fish umai is RM20.
“To make it easier for customers to enjoy fresh fish ‘umai’, I also provide mixed ‘sambal’ for RM3 and dipping ‘sambal’ for RM5. This way, it can be mixed and eaten immediately,” he said.
He added that in addition to selling ‘umai’ at his stall, he also offers frozen fish ‘umai’ to make it easier for customers from outside Mukah to take it home.
“Customers who want to bring fish ‘umai’ back to Kuching and other places need not worry because the fish we use is fresh.
“Additionally, we provide frozen fish to make it easier for customers to take it on long journeys or flights,” he said.
He mentioned that the demand for fish ‘umai’ usually doubles during school holidays or large gatherings in Mukah.
“The response varies; sometimes sales are brisk, sometimes not. But demand doubles during school holidays or at the end of festivals.
“Currently, the Kaul Mukah Festival 2024 is underway, and fish ‘umai’ will see high demand in the final days as many visitors plan to return home,” he explained.
Sebeli also shared that he once sold authentic Mukah fish ‘umai’ in Kuching through the ‘Sejiwa Senada Program’ a few years ago, before Covid-19.
“I also worked at a hotel in Kuching to help promote ‘umai’ for a month, and at one of the Ramadan bazaars under the same hotel.
“However, it’s undeniable that after Covid-19, the demand for ‘umai’ outside Mukah has decreased compared to before. This is one of the challenges we face,” he explained.
Sebeli mentioned that he has been running his fish ‘umai’ business since 2011.
“Before that, I sold fresh fish, but due to the challenges and issues with wholesalers, I did not continue. Now, I focus entirely on the fish ‘umai’ business.
“Therefore, I hope this business will continue to receive support from customers and be recognised by the wider community,” he said.
Those interested in buying fish ‘umai’ from Sebeli’s stall can visit Mukah Tamu Market or contact him at 0194824887/01119844558 (WhatsApp).
