Apam Johol penetrates international markets

Exclusive Report By: Mohd Hisham Abdul Rafar

KUALA PILAH, Nov 24 -- ‘Apam Johol' is a popular traditional cake in Negeri Sembilan that has become a must at many events such as at the palace, Balai Undang, weddings and hotels.

Today, the steamed cake wrapped in the fragrant leaves of the rambai tree is no longer exclusive to Negeri Sembilan especially Johol, the ‘birthplace’ of the cake, which was originally named ‘apam daun rambai'. 

It is now available throughout the country as well as in some foreign countries.

KT Apam Johol entrepreneur Hatijah Kassim, 56, said besides receiving demands from states such as Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, Sarawak and Johor, the cake has also penetrated countries like Singapore and Jordan.

"We have traders who take the frozen cakes to be sold in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The frozen ones can last up to a month. We also receive orders from hotels in Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur,” she told Bernama here.

The fluffy and slightly sweet cake is commonly eaten with savoury pairings like rendang or sambal tumis and served during breakfast or teatime.

Hatijah, who has been making the cake for 15 years using her family's traditional recipes, said she could sell up to 800 cakes on a regular day for 50 sen a piece.

“The demand would increase during school holidays. So far I am assisted by three workers and we can produce at least 3,000 pieces per day depending on the demand,” she said, adding that there are four other Apam Johol entrepreneurs in the state constituency.

-- BERNAMA