By NUR SHAZREENA ALI
Gula apong production drives up couple’s socio-economic status
KUCHING: Situated some 40km from the city, Kampung Pinggan Jaya is known its agricultural industry, specifically nipah palm sugar production.
Pioneered over 10 years ago, the production of nipah palm sugar or known locally as gula apong has become a major source in driving the economy in the village.
Nipah palm sugar production today is spearheaded by Mahli Ramli, 52, and his wife, Rohana, 35.
“I started the gula apong business about seven years ago. I moved here from Kota Samarahan after we got married and live with the in-laws,” Mahli told New Sarawak Tribune.
The demand for gula apong has been steady for the past three years “where we receive many orders, not only within the Kuching and Kota Samarahan areas but also from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
Mahli collects the sap from the nipah palms from six in the morning until late evening.
Rohana’s task focuses mainly on the marketing aspects of the business.
“We produce about 30kg of gula apong for local distribution fortnightly. The price depends on its grade,” she explained.
Gula apong is divided into three grades: A, B and C.
Grade A types are usually sent to Kuala Lumpur and Sabah in solid form.
“Grade B and C are usually bought by villagers here. Grade B has a softer texture than Grade A. It’s often for daily usage,” Rohana said.
“Grade C is in liquid form, which can only be used to make ice-creams because it’s a bit sour,” she elaborated.
The couple sell the gula apong at RM8 per kilogramme and can make over RM2,000 a month depending on the weather.
They also sell nipah palm honey at RM15 per kilogramme.
