KOTA BARU: Ramadan is a busy month for Syatini Yatim, who has her hands full trying to meet the rising demand for her “akok kedut' - a traditional Kelantanese delicacy.
According to her, during other months, she could sell about 600 pieces of akok kedut a day, but since the fasting month began, the daily demand had increased to 2,000 pieces.
"Even though the fasting month is only slightly over a week left, people are still coming to my stall and buy the akok.
"They are willing to queue up, as long as they can get to buy my akok," she said, when met at her stall in Kampung Semat Jal here.
According to Syatini, she is still using the traditional way to bake the akok, unlike many other sellers who use modern equipment.
“My akok is made of eggs, sugar, coconut extract and rice flour. I use coconut fiber to bake. The result is less sweet but creamy akoks,” said the 29-year-old mother of two.
Syatini took over the business from her mother Mek Dah Mat Diah, 18 years ago when she became unwell.
She said she had been able to cope with the work with the help of her two staff.
"My akok kedut sells for RM1 for two pieces. Apart from akok, I also sell `beko' (sweet coconut cake) and other traditional kuih using our special family recipe," she added.
Syatini said she expected more buyers for her akok in the coming days when many Kelantanese who live outside the state begin to return home ahead of Raya and the long school holidays.