Cover image via Bernama
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A nasi lemak hawker in Selama, Perak, has continued selling nasi lemak for just 50 sen a packet — a price he has maintained for nearly 30 years
While many food vendors have been forced to raise prices due to increasing raw material costs, Othman Che Mat, 72, has chosen to keep his nasi lemak affordable so the community can still enjoy their favourite breakfast.
Sold at Warung Lejen, the humble packet comes with ikan bilis, sambal, and a slice of boiled egg. Despite its simplicity, the nasi lemak has gained popularity, attracting visitors beyond the district to try the affordable meal.
For Othman, profit has never been the main goal of the small business he runs with his wife
Instead, he said his greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that people, especially those from lower-income households, can still afford a decent breakfast.
Othman said when he first began supplying nasi lemak to Warung Lejen, it was priced at just 30 sen per packet.
"People often ask why the price is so low and whether I make any profit at all. I just smile because honestly, the profit margin is very small.
"I supply nasi lemak to the stall daily at 40 sen per packet, so if 100 packets are sold, I only make RM40 before deducting costs. Since the stall sells it for 50 sen each, it only makes 10 sen per packet," he told Bernama recently.
Othman said he and his wife prepare around 300 packets daily, though the number increases to about 500 on weekends, with most selling out
They begin their day as early as 3am, cooking and preparing the nasi lemak packets before delivering them to Warung Lejen after dawn prayers.
He said production used to reach up to 650 packets a day two or three years ago, but numbers declined after more nasi lemak suppliers began operating in the area.
"It's not a problem… everyone is trying to earn a living," he said, adding that he earns a net profit of around RM15 to RM20 a day.
"It's not much, but I'm grateful that our small business is still surviving and providing an income for our family," he said.
Warung Lejen owner Ghazali Muda said the stall is busy by 6am daily, serving plantation workers, senior citizens, students, and tourists heading to nearby waterfalls and recreational spots
A regular customer told Bernama that the nasi lemak remains popular not only because of its low price, but also for its traditional taste and quality, adding that the stall has become an important part of the local community over the past 36 years.
