"KRT Progresif" Programme Helps Expand Markets For Housewives' Sambal Hitam

MARAN, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The efforts by a group of housewives and single mothers here to empower the traditional “sambal hitam” have borne fruit, with the product now being marketed nationwide, made possible with the support of the “Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Progresif” programme.

Starting on a small scale, Karimah Ali, 65, fondly known as Kak Mey, said the traditional Pahang delicacy was initially sold among close friends and at local events before the group received an allocation of more than RM70,000 under the programme last year.

She said the “sambal hitam” products by residents of KRT Maran 2 (Keramat) are now being marketed more widely, including through online platforms, and have also received encouraging responses at sales programmes and exhibitions.

“Previously, we were only able to produce fewer than 400 packs a month, but production has almost doubled now, especially during the fasting month, Hari Raya, and when we take part in sales programmes outside Pahang,” she told Bernama recently.

The mother of four said production capacity was boosted by the programme’s funding, which covered the purchase of industrial cooking equipment, such as cutting machines, blenders and large mixing pans.

To further improve product quality and sales performance, the group also participated in various courses and training programmes, including finance, packaging and marketing, as well as digital sales through TikTok and Facebook.

According to Karimah, the project has opened up opportunities to generate an income of up to RM1,000 per month, thus helping to supplement household earnings.

Sharing the challenges of production, she said the preparation process is time-consuming and complex, but has become routine for the group.

“The product uses bamboo starfruit, which must be boiled using the correct method. We usually source the fruit from nearby areas, and those involved in boiling it are paid wages,” she said.

Other ingredients include anchovies, shallots, chillies, salt and cooking oil, which are blended with the bamboo starfruit and cooked over medium heat for up to four hours.

When prepared properly, the sambal is long-lasting and can keep for up to six months,” she added, noting that sambal hitam is suitable to be eaten with rice, ketupat and bread.

She said the product is sold at RM6 for a 50-gramme pack, and RM12 for a 100-gramme pack, adding that they are hoping to obtain the Halal and food safety (MeSTI ) certification soon.

The KRT Progresif initiative, introduced in 2024 by the Ministry of National Unity, aims to expand the traditional role of neighbourhood committees beyond security, positioning them as platforms for progressive community development with a focus on integration, economic empowerment and national unity.

-- BERNAMA