KUANTAN: Pahang’s sambal hitam is gaining popularity among visitors who buy the product to bring home as gifts, hence encouraging an entrepreneur here to go all out to produce the mouthwatering local appetiser.

       The black sambal is usually enjoyed with piping hot rice, bread as well as nasi impit.

       “It also goes well with pizza,” said Khatijah Silek, 60.

       “My homemade sambal paste is a personal recipe made of quality fresh ingredients to ensure it is able to last long.”

       The process of making the sambal takes four to six hours.

       The basic ingredients are onions and chillies.

       “After the paste has cooled, it is bottled.

       “I will do this all by myself or with the help of my grandchildren when I get orders in large quantities,” said Khatijah, who has been in the business since 2012.

       Khatijah, better known as Kak Jah, told Bernama that the product, which already had its consumer base, was often sought after by tourists who visit her business premises located at Serambi Teruntum here.

       The Pahang native packs more than 50 bottles monthly, depending on customer demand. Each bottle sells for RM15.

       Khatijah also sells snacks produced by SME traders such as dodol gula kabung, keropok keping, rojak paste, bahulu, biscuits and a variety of chips.

       She hopes customers will continue to support locally produced food products in line with the Buy Malaysia Goods Campaign.