A Leap of Faith: From Sports to Kuih Bakar
From Sports to Business
Mohd Zaidi Abdul Latib, a 57-year-old former sports massage therapist, has taken a leap into the business world by selling traditional kuih bakar from his shop in Kampung Semin, Negeri Sembilan. After nearly a decade of working with the national football squad, Zaidi decided to return to his hometown and pursue his passion for traditional kuih bakar.
A Family Recipe
The kuih bakar is made using Zaidi’s mother’s recipe, which involves grilling the cake over coconut husks and charcoal to produce its signature taste and aroma. Zaidi emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients, including coconut milk and eggs, to achieve a rich taste. He has also obtained halal certification to boost customer confidence in his product.
A Business Born Out of Necessity
Zaidi’s mother used to only take orders from surau, mosques, villagers, and for feasts, but it was never sold commercially. After retiring from the sports industry, Zaidi realized that authentic kuih bakar, prepared using traditional methods, is now hard to find. He decided to start his own business, Makwe’ Kuih Bakar, which has been operating for nearly six years.
A Family Affair
Zaidi runs the business with his wife, Nur Aisha Lexty, 51. They work together to make kuih bakar, which is then sold at an affordable price of RM9 per piece. They also offer savoury kuih bakar with meat at RM10 per piece.
A Growing Business
Despite the rising cost of ingredients, Zaidi remains committed to maintaining the same quality. He sells nearly 100 pieces daily, especially as the weekend approaches. They have regular customers placing orders from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Johor. In addition to kuih bakar, Makwe’ Kuih Bakar also sells other traditional snacks such as kuih bahulu, pineapple tarts, semperit (classic cookies), and coconut kuih bangkit.
A Legacy of Support
Zaidi is grateful that several former national athletes continue to support his business. He believes that every new venture requires courage and determination, even if it starts as a small business.
A Return to Hometown
Zaidi said it’s a joy to return to his hometown. Life here is more peaceful, and he can be close to his 81-year-old mother. She is in good health and sometimes stops by to watch him and his grandchildren making kuih for business.
Conclusion
Mohd Zaidi Abdul Latib’s story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of taking a leap of faith and pursuing their passion. From a sports massage therapist to a kuih bakar entrepreneur, Zaidi’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Zaidi to start his own business?
A: Zaidi realized that authentic kuih bakar, prepared using traditional methods, is now hard to find after retiring from the sports industry.
Q: What sets Makwe’ Kuih Bakar apart from other kuih bakar sellers?
A: Zaidi uses high-quality ingredients, including coconut milk and eggs, and grills the cake over coconut husks and charcoal to produce its signature taste and aroma.
Q: How does Zaidi maintain the same quality despite the rising cost of ingredients?
A: Zaidi remains committed to maintaining the same quality and sells his kuih bakar at an affordable price of RM9 per piece.
Q: What does the future hold for Makwe’ Kuih Bakar?
A: Zaidi plans to continue growing his business and expanding his product line to include more traditional snacks.