Seremban: With just RM2,000 in capital, a former lecturer is now able to earn a five-figure annual income from selling halal mooncakes, a business she has been running for the past five years. What started as a hobby for Syawaliza Abdul Kutty, 42, has now turned into a booming business, leaving her swamped with orders, especially ahead of the Chinese New Year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, captivated by the uniqueness of traditional Chinese mooncakes when she attended the Mooncake Festival at a shopping mall, the mother of two was inspired to create halal mooncakes that could be enjoyed by everyone, particularly Muslims. She recalled that from that moment, she took the initiative to teach herself how to make mooncakes using halal ingredients so the Muslim community could enjoy them without any doubts.
Syawaliza explained that mooncakes are traditionally associated with the Chinese community, but they can be made with halal ingredients available in the market. She searched for recipes online and made adjustments, such as using peanut oil to achieve a taste similar to traditional Chinese mooncakes. She assured that her mooncakes are clean and safe for consumption, making them eligible for halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) through the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Religious Department (JHEAINS) under the Halal Cottage programme.
Leaving her job to care for her twins and run a small business since 2020 has been rewarding for Syawaliza, as her mooncakes have gained popularity in the local market. Her mooncakes are sold at prices ranging from RM3 to RM6, depending on the flavour, and are in demand for events such as weddings. Orders come from a diverse clientele, including Malay and Indian customers, as well as members of the Chinese community gifting them to Malay friends for Chinese New Year.
Syawaliza can produce over 400 mooncakes a week, offering a variety of flavours such as green bean, red bean, and pandan, with special flavours like durian, pineapple, and chocolate available upon request. To further expand her business, she has applied for assistance in the form of equipment and machinery from the State Agricultural Department. Her aim is to market the product more widely across the state, although it is currently available in limited quantities at a few stores. Despite it not being the mooncake or lantern festival season, she remains grateful for the increasing demand.