Traditional Festive Food Kelupis: A Source of Livelihood for Kampung Women in Miri

(Miri, 30th) Every time Eid approaches, the demand for the square Kelupis and triangular Ketupat Palas skyrockets. These two traditional delicacies have become indispensable on festive dining tables, being perfect when paired with curry or rendang, making them a favorite among the people.

For many busy housewives, purchasing ready-made Kelupis and Ketupat Palas is a convenient choice. Behind these delicacies lies the hard work and struggle stories of kampung women.

In the villages near Miri, like Rina Budin from Kampung Kejapil and Masnah Jamin from Kampung Pengkalan Lutong, these two women rely on their Kelupis and Ketupat Palas businesses to support their families, making this traditional craft their source of income.

Single Mother Sustains Family with Traditional Food

For single mother of six, Rina Budin, this business becomes her economic pillar every festive season.

She shares that every fasting month, she makes up to 10,000 Kelupis to fulfill orders from various parts of Miri, including some renowned stores like Siti Payung. This not only helps them sustain their livelihood but also becomes a stable source of income for the long term. She has persisted in this venture for four years and hopes to continue expanding it.

Festive Orders Increase, Distributed to Brunei and Kuching

On the other hand, Masnah Jamin also sees making Kelupis and Ketupat Palas as her primary source of income. She notes that every year, during the last two weeks of the fasting month, orders surge to twice the usual amount.

She gratefully says that during this season, her hands are almost never idle. This year, orders have reached 15,000, some being exported to Brunei, Kuching, and even sold at local gas stations.

Through their persistence and effort, not only have they continued the cultural value of these traditional foods, but they also inspire more women to bravely venture into small businesses.

Kelupis and Ketupat Palas are not just festive foods; they symbolize the fighting spirit of kampung women. Behind these traditional delicacies lies love, struggle, and the resilient power of sustaining family economies.