Sweet Legacy: Johor's Halwa Maskat Sees Rising Popularity And Growing Demand

By Kamarul Halim M Kamal

BATU PAHAT, June 7 (Bernama) -- Mention ‘halwa maskat’, a sticky sweet believed to have originated from the Middle East, and many would picture it as a traditional delicacy from the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.

However, far down south in Kampung Bintang, Batu Pahat, Johor, a husband-and-wife duo are diligently preserving the legacy of this traditional sweet, not merely for commercial purposes, but to ensure that its heritage endures in the hearts of future generations.

For Shamsul Bahri Ahmad, 64, and his wife Fauziah Hassan, 55, halwa maskat is more than just a confection; it is a symbol of familial love, cherished history, and enduring perseverance.

Although the process of making the confection is intricate and time-consuming, the couple remains steadfast in their commitment, driven by a single hope: that this centuries-old sweet will not be lost to the tide of modernisation.

“We’ll keep doing it for as long as we can. This isn’t just about business; it’s about preserving a heritage that is on the brink of being forgotten,” said Shamsul when met by Bernama.

According to Shamsul, although halwa maskat is often associated with the traditional Malay community, its roots can actually be traced back to Muscat, Oman, where it was once considered a royal delicacy during the era of the Malay Sultanate.

Over time, the local community adapted the recipe, infusing it with flavours and ingredients that better suit the Malay palate.

What began with just 200 kilogrammes in 2012 has now grown to 800 kilogrammes each festive season, a testament to the sweet’s rising popularity and growing demand.

However, due to the intense commitment involved, Shamsul only makes it once a month.

“To produce authentic halwa maskat, you need thoroughly mixed flour, ghee, rock sugar, cardamom, almonds… continuously for hours. Most importantly, the wok and spoon must be made of copper to ensure the halwa retains its vibrant colour and doesn’t turn dark,” he explained.

Shamsul’s homemade halwa maskat is not only a local favourite but has also found its way to the tables of prominent national figures.

Among his regular customers are Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, the family of the late Datuk Onn Jaafar, and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Most notably, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is also a fan of the halwa maskat, with special orders placed through the state government office every Aidilfitri.

Shamsul also expressed his gratitude to the Johor government for supporting his efforts to promote halwa maskat through various programmes, including the Majestic Johor Festival (MJF).

He is now passing down his knowledge to his third son, Muhammad Haziq, 29, to ensure that the art of making halwa maskat continues beyond his generation.

“I learned from my mother, who learned from her ancestors. I want this heritage to live on. People may see it as just a sweet, but for us, it’s a legacy,” he said.

-- BERNAMA