By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 19: For 73-year-old Jee Fung Jin, a former seamstress, swapping sewing needles for laksa noodles has proven to be a life-changing decision.
Over two decades ago, she took over her younger sister’s struggling laksa stall at the Central Park Commercial Centre, and today, she has become one of the most popular laksa sellers in the area.
Jee’s younger sister had initially started the stall but decided to leave the business after only selling about ten bowls of laksa daily.
She passed the apron to Jee before moving to Peninsular Malaysia.
“That was 23 years ago,” Jee recalled.
“At the time, I couldn’t bear to see my sister’s hard work and recipes vanish. I was already 50, and my poor eyesight meant sewing and tailoring were no longer viable for me. So, I decided to take over her business.”
Jee told DayakDaily that continuing her sister’s laksa legacy has been a fulfilling journey.
“I loved my sister’s delectable laksa, and thanks to her, it has provided a livelihood for me and my family,” she said.
“When she cooked, she was always the best in the kitchen, but the business didn’t take off then. If she had stayed on, I believe she would have succeeded. It just took me 23 years to get there,” she laughed.
Jee revealed that her sister, now residing in Johor, has also found success in the culinary world and is currently selling laksa there.
“I am very happy for her. We’re in the same business, and I feel proud that we’ve both succeeded in our own ways,” she said enthusiastically.
Despite her age, Jee continues to enjoy running her stall, saying the steady stream of customers brightens her day.
“It’s a blessing to see people enjoying my laksa. When I started, there were few customers, but now it’s brisk business. I only close when I’ve sold out,” she said.
Jee admitted that the journey wasn’t easy in the beginning.
“It was difficult, and I completely understand why my sister quit back then. But since relocating my stall to a new cafe next door, I’ve managed to retain my regulars, and it’s business as usual.”
Jee is now assisted by her husband and youngest son, who handle customer service while she focuses on preparing the laksa.
“My son helps me a lot. He runs the stall when I take a break. I hope he will continue the family legacy because he already has the skills and a close rapport with our regulars,” she said.
Though age is catching up with her, Jee isn’t ready to hang up her apron just yet.
“I’m not throwing in the towel. There’s some aching in my knees now and then from standing, but it’s part of the job. When I was sewing, it was my back. Now, it’s my knees,” she joked.
To stay fit, Jee maintains a routine of exercise, rest, and proper sleep. These days, she lets her son handle the bulk of the preparation, allowing her to arrive at the stall early to serve her customers.
“This journey has been a blessing. My sister and I never regret changing professions, even though we had slow starts. It feels like it was meant to be,” she said with a smile.
Jee’s Laksa Stall operates at Best Time Cafe, Central Park Commercial Centre, from 6am to 11am daily, except Mondays.
For more information, call 016-892 7993. — DayakDaily
