Business as usual for breakfast ‘nasi’ stall owners despite monsoon

 

Residents wading through the water at Kampung Keroh in Kuala Krai. (Bernama pic)

KUALA KRAI: It is virtually a must, especially for Kelantanese, to look for their favourite rice dishes such as nasi kerabu, nasi lemak, nasi dagang, nasi gulai ayam and so on for breakfast.

Even though several areas in the state are flooded and there is heavy rain, many traders around Kuala Krai continue to keep their stalls open to serve a wide variety of morning rice dishes to their hungry customers.

Checks by Bernama found these typical breakfast treats continue to be available all over the district with traders busy with customers from as early as 6.30am.

Nor Zakira Imana Nor Aziz, 30, one of the breakfast rice sellers at Kampung Tengah, said she started her business two years ago and found demand from customers was still decent despite the monsoon season.

“So when I wake up at 4am, the first thing that comes to mind is whether there will be rain or not as I will prepare the amount of food according to the weather conditions to avoid wastage.

“Even though business is not as brisk compared to fair weather conditions, my earnings have not been interrupted as there is always a steady stream of regulars looking for their favourite morning rice dishes,” she told Bernama.

Nor Zakira Imana is assisted by her husband, Hafizan Mohd Noor, 39, and said she always makes sure the food is served in a clean environment for the comfort of their clients.

“It is usual for the surroundings to be different during rainy weather as customers would come in with umbrellas dripping with rainwater and muddy footwear.

“I understand the situation so I will do my best to keep my stall clean and pleasant,” said Nor Zakira Imana, and added that sales could exceed RM200 a day.

Another trader in Kampung Kenor, Zuraidah Ismail, 50, felt blessed that her stall, which is named after her mother Siti Khadijah Dollah, still draws many faithful customers who start their day with her rice dishes and drinks.

“In normal fair weather, I can earn more than RM100, but business will be slower during the rainy season.

“However, I am still grateful, because all the rice dishes and kuih are sold out every day,” said Zuraidah, who has been operating the stall for more than 10 years. - FMT