Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed admiration for the resilience of Bakiah Omar, an 89-year-old dodol entrepreneur from Perak.
KUALA LUMPUR: Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, shared his feelings in a Facebook post today, saying he was moved after reading a Bernama report about the woman affectionately known as Chik Ah.
He noted that he had recently received a handwritten letter from her, accompanied by a sample of her homemade dodol.
“I hope her story inspires everyone to continue appreciating and supporting the efforts of local entrepreneurs, especially those in rural areas,” he said.
The Bernama report highlighted Chik Ah’s perseverance in raising 10 children while running a traditional food business, which has become her family’s primary source of income.
For nearly five decades, her product, “Dodol Lemak Manis Memikat Cik Ah,” has remained a favourite among locals, particularly during festive seasons, and is often served at social gatherings or bought as a souvenir.
Chik Ah is among 178 Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) entrepreneurs in Perak who received grant assistance, and she is noted as the most active entrepreneur in generating income from dodol products.
