By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 20: Bigger than the dates commonly found in Malaysia and kept on ice to preserve their freshness, Egyptian ‘Kurma Sejuk Beku’ sold at the Satok Ramadan Bazaar has attracted curious glances and growing interest from shoppers this Ramadan.
Trader Iskandar Dollah said the dates, which are still attached to their stems, are imported directly from Egypt and maintained at low temperatures throughout their journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching to retain their fresh quality.
“Usually the dates we see in the market are dry, but these are still fresh and cold when taken out of the box. That is why I keep them with ice to maintain their freshness,” he told DayakDaily during an interview at his stall yesterday evening (Feb 19).
Iskandar, who has been selling the product for the past two Ramadan seasons, said he is an appointed stockist of a Kuala Lumpur-based company, Golden Date, which imports the dates directly from Egypt.
He said the dates are sold at RM25 per box, or RM40 for two boxes, and will be available throughout the fasting month.
Last year, Iskandar recorded sales of about one and a half tonnes of the frozen dates, equivalent to 66 large boxes.
“This year, the number of agents has increased to 10 in Kuching, with additional stockists operating in Miri and Mukah,” he added.
He added that apart from selling at the Satok Ramadan Bazaar, orders can also be made directly from his home. Those interested may contact him at 010-8210171.
– DayakDaily
