A Decade Of Success: D'Labu's Lemang Periuk Kera Wins Hearts Ahead Of Ramadan, Aidilfitri

Oleh Sarinah Mat Kasim

SEREMBAN, March 1 (Bernama) -- Despite operating for a decade, D’Labu’s Lemang Periuk Kera here continues to enjoy strong demand, particularly in the lead-up to Ramadan and Aidilfitri.

The distinctive flavour of its authentic lemang, paired with spicy chilli api chicken rendang, has earned the family-run business a loyal following.

Founded by Zuraidah Abd Rahman, 55, the enterprise is now managed by her youngest daughter, Shaihi Nur Izza Shawal, 27, who is expanding the brand’s reach.

Shaihi, who runs the business with her husband, Muhammad Zarif Danish Shahrudin, 27, said they have developed a network of agents in several states, including Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya and Melaka, to meet growing customer demand.

She explained that the periuk kera (pitcher plant) casings are sourced from a regular supplier in Bera, Pahang, with the business requiring between 800 and 1,000 casings daily.

“Demand increases significantly during the festive season, reaching up to 15,000 casings, compared with only about 300 when we first started.

“Alhamdulillah, throughout our years of operation, supply has never been severely disrupted, except during the rainy season and the COVID-19 pandemic, when movement restrictions reduced harvesting activities,” he told Bernama recently.

Based on feedback from harvesters, she said the pitcher plant is able to regenerate quickly, with no threat of extinction.

The Information Technology graduate also undertook her own research and development (R&D) to identify proper storage techniques, enabling the casings to last up to a month without damage.

“Before the monsoon season, we increase our orders and stock up to ensure an uninterrupted supply, as we cook about 800 pieces of lemang daily. Each batch takes about an hour to prepare,” she said.

The mother of one added that they are currently preparing more than 10,000 lemang periuk kera for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations in March.

The lemang is sold at RM19 per set, which includes four to five pieces served with chilli api chicken rendang.

Shaihi, who also operates Kafe D’Z along Jalan Mantau-Sendayan, said demand continues to grow.

To further expand the business, she is in the process of applying for the Young Agropreneur Grant (GAM) under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).

-- BERNAMA