RANTAU PANJANG: The Movement Control Order (MCO) has not discouraged Wan Suriana Wan Ali from selling her popular delicacy called Kerbau Guling this Ramadan.
The 37-year-old, whose father introduced the sweet, soft Thai delicacy eaten with shaved coconut three decades ago and which became popular two years ago, has opened a shop in Jalan Parit Air, aside from taking orders via Whatsapp and promoting it on Facebook.
Wan Suriana said her shop would be open from 3pm throughout Ramadan as stipulated by the authorities and she ensured that all her customers adhere to the rules of social distancing at the premises.
"The demand for Kerbau Guling, also known as Koleh Hitam, has been high even before Ramadan. I received over 100 orders of Kerbau Guling and other kuih after putting it up online and spreading the word on Whatsapp. On the first day of Ramadan, I sold 40 trays of Kerbau Guling and 15 other types of kuih.
"I would prefer if my customers order ahead online so that we can readily pack and they can come pick it up. This reduces the crowd in my shop and that way is better and safer for everyone," said Wan Suriana when met at her shop named Yana Abe Lie Kuih yesterday.
The mother of a six-month-old baby said she was at first worried at the prospects of not being able to sell her delicacies as the fasting month coincided with the MCO.
However, she counts her blessings as she was still able to not only have a physical shop but also the platform to conduct business online.
From 7am daily, Wan Suriana and her husband, Azam Ismail, 38, would prepare to make the varieties of kuih while their two staff are incharge of the orders received online and to also help around in the shop.
"I am glad that my customers at the shop are cooperating and they comply with the government's directive to practice social distancing and only one person from each family will come and collect the kuih for the breaking of fast.
"InsyaAllah, I will continue this business to fulfil the demands of my customers throughout Ramadan," she said.
Wan Suriana said she planned to re-open her stall once the MCO was lifted.