In 2018, Abdul Razak bin Hamdan at the age of 20, received the devastating news that he has thyroid cancer. Three years later, Razak is now a successful business owner in Kuching, selling his childhood favourite dessert - Putu Piring Ibuk.
While many are concerned and would turn away from the idea of starting a business amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it did not stop Razak. He who has been through more challenging times is well motivated to persist through all kinds of trials in life.
Soon after entering college, Razak became aware and dreadfully concern of a lump that continues to grow on his neck. His greatest fear was realised when the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, where he sought treatment, confirms his stage 2 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Holding on to faith with the high survival rate, Razak went through the surgery and months of treatments until he was finally declared cancer-free.
"I just knew that I wanted to fight this cancer hard and it didn't matter to me how much or how long I need to do it. I have great support around me after all." – shared Razak.
After the ordeal, while undergoing continuous medication, Razak also became a part-time teacher for a local Madrasah (Islamic institution). During his days of recovery, he spent most of his time with his family. Their family enjoys one particular activity on the weekend or during their days off as a family bonding pastime – making Putu Piring.
Perfectly steamed putu piring ready to be serve. Image source via Putu Piring Ibuk
Putu Piring is a traditional Malay dessert made from steamed rice flour and palm sugar. Its toasty aroma gives a hint of coconut flavour, and each bite is accompanied by the sweetness of the palm sugar filling. The dessert goes very well with coffee and tea, and it makes a perfect dish for breakfast and teatime. You'll be surprised feeling full from having just a piece!
The Start of 'Putu Piring Ibuk'
The business idea came about one day after Razak casually posted a picture of the snack on Facebook and received tons of likes and even requests for it. Indeed, it is rare to come across the dessert in Sarawak. In 2020, Abdul and his family thought they could sell the delicious dessert as a side income since it is a family hobby to make them after all.
Image source via Putu Piring Ibuk
With promotions through social media and adding value by offering delivery service to customers, the business's popularity increased rapidly. Today, "Putu Piring Ibuk" has a stall under the Bazar Rakyat Online Sarawakku Sayang (BROSS) program with more than hundreds of loyal customers who would line up at their booth every weekend.
Image source via Putu Piring Ibuk
Razak named the stall "Putu Piring Ibuk" as a homage to his mother and aunts who have helped him tremendously with his business venture. The word 'ibu' means mother in the Malay language.
"My family and I are very grateful and happy with how far our business has grown. Seeing how our Putu Piring is also high in demands from customers outside of Kuching, we have plans to open more stalls in other parts of Sarawak. Hopefully, this plan will come to fruition." said Razak.
Where to Get Putu Piring in Kuching?
Putu Piring - flavoured steamed rice flour with palm sugar. Image source via Putu Piring Ibuk
The dessert is sold at an affordable RM3 for four pieces and RM5 for seven at Putu Piring Ibuk stall that is open every weekend from 10 am to 5 pm at Bazaar Rakyat Sarawakku Sayang, Kuching Sarawak.
For orders and delivery outside of the stall's operating hours, one may contact Razak at +6 0175075303.
As a way to thank the community for his continuous success, Razak is offering free Putu Piring for all pregnant mothers regardless of race and creeds!
