Hot deals, not house fires: The Kota Bharu man turning a 2021 tragedy into Kelantan’s cheapest breakfast

KOTA BHARU, June 21 — A fire that destroyed his house on Jalan Atas Paloh here in 2021 did not break his spirit, instead opening a new chapter in his life as he rebuilt his livelihood selling nasi lemak at RM1 per packet.

Adnan Che Kar, 52, better known as Abe6, said the ordeal his family faced four years ago had taught him to value every bit of provision he receives, even in the smallest measure.

With the resolve to start afresh after losing his home in the fire, he and his wife, Zubaidah Ismail, 51, began selling nasi lemak on Jalan Mahmood here in May 2023.

“I went through a hard time after my house was destroyed in the fire. But when we’re tested, we learn to be more grateful for what we have and keep striving for halal rezeki,” he told Bernama.

According to him, he used to supply nasi lemak to several shops, but later decided to sell it on his own after part of the proceeds was not received despite the food being sold out.

“When we sent our nasi lemak to shops, it sold out, but we didn’t get the full money from sales. That made it difficult to continue.

“That is why my wife and I started selling by the roadside. Even though the profit was not much, at least we knew the money from sales would go directly to us,” he said.

Despite the modest profit, Adnan said he was happy as the response from customers has been very encouraging and it has helped people enjoy affordable breakfast.

“For me, selling RM1 nasi lemak is not just for profit. I see it as a small act of charity for the people. Even though the profit is small, I am grateful that I still have rezeki,” he said.

Every day except Saturday, the couple prepares about 400 packets of nasi lemak served with anchovies, a quarter of a hard-boiled egg, sliced cucumber and peanuts. Sales begin after dawn, and the food is usually sold out between 10am and 11am.

Apart from daily sales, Adnan said they also receive orders for infak (charity) purposes from individuals and certain organisations, with orders typically ranging from 350 to 400 packets.

“Many people ordered the nasi lemak for distribution to congregants at mosques, tahfiz students and the needy. Alhamdulillah, the response was very encouraging,” he said.

“I believe rezeki comes from Allah. As long as I can, I’ll keep the RM1 price for everyone,” said Adnan, who works as a taxi driver, taking long-distance trips to Kuala Lumpur and Johor to supplement his family’s income.

Adnan said that during Ramadan, he would begin operations as early as 1 am to meet customer demand for nasi lemak for sahur. — Bernama