Laksa Johor MakEte Finds Its Way To The UK
By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kedenen
KOTA TINGGI, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Johor Laksa MakEte from Segamat, produced by a female entrepreneur, has made its way to the United Kingdom (UK) via the Halal Street UK e-commerce platform.
Warisan Indi Network director, Siti Sainiza Saidin, 49, said her two products, the instant Johor Laksa gravy and instant Johor Laksa, made with the rich taste of wolf herring — have been developed since 2021 and marketed through the platform since October last year.
"Our effort to market the product is supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. Since launching on Halal Street UK, we have gradually received increasing demand," she told Bernama at the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat at the Desaru Coast Convention Centre yesterday.
Siti Sainiza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to export her products, allowing both locals and Malaysians abroad to experience the authentic taste of Johor Laksa.
Operating under the Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) and the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) she developed the family recipe without preservatives using retort technology for a longer shelf life.
"Customer feedback has been positive, with many praising the gravy and the instant Johor Laksa suits their taste. The instant concept, also makes it convenient, as it only needs to be heated before serving," she said.
According to her, demand is currently highest in Johor, with her products available at Halal Valet, Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, and about 15 vendors across Segamat, Kulai, Batu Pahat, and Johor Bahru.
Additionally, she said the product is marketed on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Facebook.
Siti Sainiza also plans to expand her market, especially in Kuala Lumpur and other states while aiming to reach Laksa Johor enthusiasts abroad.
She hopes that her participation in the AEM Retreat will create opportunities to export her products to other ASEAN countries.
"Johor Laksa has a universal appeal with its unique spaghetti-based preparation. I hope it can cater to ASEAN tastes and penetrate the regional market," she added.
The AEM Retreat on Feb 28 will be chaired by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, followed by related meetings from Feb 22 to 27, held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship.
Themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability," the retreat reflects Malaysia's aspiration to strengthen a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN community.
As ASEAN chair, Malaysia’s key priorities include enhancing intra-ASEAN trade and investment, while exploring and expanding economic cooperation and partnerships beyond the region.
-- BERNAMA