‘ikan lengat' catching the attention of 'Pasar Tani' goers

TASEK GELUGOR, June 2 (Bernama) – A form of cured fish called ‘ikan lengat’ (salty boiled chub mackerel) which originates from northern states has been pulling in the crowd at the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) ‘Pasar Tani Pra Aidilfitri Tasek Gelugor’ which kicked off today and ends June 4.

Trader, Lutfee Mohammad, 57, said those returning for Hari Raya would make a beeline for the fish because it is a favourite food from former times which is now hard to come by.

“In this area, there are just three ‘ikan lengat’ sellers. I would like to recommend to the younger generation, especially, to give it a try. It would be a pity if they don’t know about it or its tastiness,” he told Bernama today.

Lutfee, who has been selling ‘ikan lengat’ for 12 years, said only the freshest fish should be used, and then cleaned thoroughly, before the making -- which takes five hours -- can begin.

Maznah Ayub, 55, said ‘ikan lengat’ is a must-have for her every time she comes back to celebrate Hari Raya in the kampung.

“I will definitely try to find it. In the city, it is difficult to get … and even if it is sold, it doesn’t taste like the one from here. The ‘ikan lengat’ by Pakcik (uncle) Lutfee is clean and yummy,” she said.

State Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, pointed out that every farmer’s market has unique products and that the pre-Aidilfitri farmer’s market is the best place for fresh produce costing 20 per cent less compared to other places.

While informing of the Balik Pulau pre-Aidilfitri farmer’s market which also ends June 4, FAMA Penang director, Habibah Sulaiman, said the ‘Pasar Tani Pra Aidilfitri Pulau Pinang 2019’ programme aims to attract 10,000 visitors and achieve sales of more than RM500,000.

-- BERNAMA