Image credit: Malay Mail
PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the national-level celebration of Hari Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil 2021, more than 30 food trucks participated in Festival Food Truck Malaysia, held from Thursday to Saturday at Laman Menara Usahawan in Precinct 2, Putrajaya.
The event was organised by the Food Truck Malaysia Berhad Community Cooperative, with support from the ministry of entrepreneur development and cooperatives.
The unique variety of food included local favourites such as char kuey teow, nasi lemak, nasi dagang, and roti John, a sandwich with an omelette filling. There were also waffles, hot dogs, corn dogs, fried chicken and kebabs, as well as a wide range of hot and cold beverages.
“Given the pandemic, the festival is helpful for business,” said Arif Ilyasa Mohd Azahan of Kamila Fruit Juice and Coconut Shake, a food truck selling a variety of fresh fruit juice.
The 18-year-old said he enjoyed such events and had previously participated in similar festivals.
This sentiment was echoed by Nurul Hafizah Mardhiah of Food Truck Nelang by Zie’s Corner, who came all the way from Kuala Terengganu.
Her food truck sold nasi lemak and keropok lekor served hot and in generous portions, as well as drinks such as Vietnam coffee.
This was the 28-year-old’s first time taking part in a food truck festival.
Friends and festivity
Another participant from Kuala Terengganu was KJ Roaster, which sold mutton soup and grilled lamb with fries. KJ certainly stood out, with tantalising aromas emanating from the truck.
Khairool Supian, 36, said his customers would enjoy their lamb with a hot bowl of rich, flavourful mutton soup and toast.
“This is my first time in Putrajaya and I love the festive environment here,” said Khairool, who has been operating food trucks for the past three years.
Also popular was Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit, which served rice with a selection of proteins such as chicken, beef, squid, and prawn fried with turmeric.
Saiful Azmi Abdul Salam, 43, told FMT that his customers enjoyed this simple yet hearty meal, and he loved making new friends at the festival.
The atmosphere was certainly festive on Friday, as customers could be seen taking advantage of the public holiday declared for the federal territories in Malaysia.
“I took the opportunity to bring my children out as they have been cooped up at home for a while,” shared Julie Halydzan, 36. “So far, they have been really enjoying the corn dogs.”
Zubaira Ahmad, 28, also decided to use the holiday to visit the festival and enjoy the food, and cited Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit as a standout.
“I find the meat to be very tender and delicious. This is definitely a good event to help small businesses,” Zubaira said.
Meg Jali, 24, agreed, saying: “There are a lot of different types of food here. The festival is certainly a different experience from a shopping mall, and I prefer being outdoors, given the current situation.
“However, I am still being cautious,” she added.
Other highlights at the festival were a battle of the buskers, and a closing concert featuring local artists such as Man Bai and Azlan & the Typewriter.
Appreciating hawkers and small traders
In his speech officiating Hari Penjaja and Peniaga Kecil on Friday, prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said hawkers and small traders – many of whom had to close their businesses or find alternatives during the pandemic – were an important component of Malaysia’s domestic economy.
The celebration was the government’s way of recognising the contribution of hawkers and small traders to the country, he added.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/food/2021/12/08/food-truck-festival-a-boost-for-small-businesses/