BY LILIANA SHERYN
KUCHING: As Muslims in the state observe the holy month of Ramadan, various preparations are made especially in getting supplies of sunnah food for the breaking of fast.
In Kuching city, one cannot miss visiting Gambier Street, where one will come across a lot of traders selling a variety of dates.
Dates, commonly referred to as kurma, hold great importance for Muslims during Ramadan. There are multiple reasons why Muslims consume dates during this holy month. Apart from the nutritional benefits, dates have cultural, spiritual, and charitable significance as well.
In many Muslim countries, dates are also distributed to the poor and needy during Ramadan as a form of charity known as Zakat al-Fitr. Hence, kurma is more than just a fruit, it carries a deeper meaning and purpose during the fasting month for Muslims.
Speaking to the New Sarawak Tribune, owner of Syarikat S. Abdullah, Abdul Wahib said that the company has been operating for 75 years since 1948.
Syarikat S. Abdullah offers a variety of products such as cooking spices and others, but is best known for selling various types of dates.
“We currently stock around 16 types of dates in our shop and all of them are imported,” he said.
Abdul said that many people who are passionate about date fruits do not just purchase them for personal use during ‘sahur’ and ‘iftar’, but also in large quantities to share with those in need throughout Ramadan.
“This week, some customers have come in to buy big boxes of dates, mentioning that they plan to distribute them to others as an act of charity in conjunction with the fasting month.
“The prices of all our dates are more or less the same as last year, which means they are still affordable, and there has not been a significant increase in their prices,” he added.
Abdul also mentioned that their three best-selling date varieties are Kurma Anggur, which is priced RM16 per kilogramme, Kurma Rabbi, which is priced at RM18 per kilogramme, and Kurma Madu priced at RM20 per kilogramme.
“All three of these are our customers’ favourites due to their delightful sweetness.
“Our premium date variety, Kurma Ajwa, is priced at RM78 per kilogramme. It is highly regarded for the health benefits it provides,” he said.
Furthermore, he said, due to its high natural sugar content, it is beneficial for those with diabetes.
“As we observe the Ramadan season, consuming Kurma Ajwa can aid in boosting the immune system, warding off infections, and strengthening overall immunity” Abdul added.
