82-Year-Old Retiree Sells Kuih by the Roadside, Earning Just RM10 a Day

Source: Berita Harian

At 82 years old, Som Jamilah Lateh, affectionately known as Kak Milah, still pedals her tricycle daily to sell kuih in Sik, Kedah, just like she has for the past 21 years.

According to Berita Harian, Kak Milah sets up her stall in front of Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Lima every day except Fridays, which she dedicates to worship. Her homemade tepung talam and pulut sekaya pandan are her specialties.

She patiently waits for customers under her umbrella from 2.30pm until all her kuih are sold out.

A Daily Routine of Dedication

Kak Milah shared that she wakes up as early as 5am to start preparing the kuih, a routine she has maintained since 2003.

“First thing in the morning, I get the ingredients ready, like straining coconut milk and cooking glutinous rice. Then I perform my dawn prayers and read the Quran before heading back to the kitchen around 7am,” she explained.

“I’ve been in the kuih business for a very long time, but as I age, I can’t make as many kuih as before. Now, I can only manage about 40 pieces of each type,” she admitted.

A Lifetime of Hard Work

Kak Milah has been working tirelessly since her husband’s death over 47 years ago, raising their seven children on her own.

“After my husband passed away, I cycled to a rubber factory in Jeniang at 5am to work. I was there for 15 years before becoming a cook’s assistant,” she recounted.

Now, with 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, Kak Milah enjoys selling kuih as a way to pass the time.

“My children don’t really encourage me to keep working, but I still want to… They live in Sungai Petani, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur,” she added.

Selling Kuih Brings Joy Despite Modest Earnings

Despite her modest earnings, Kak Milah finds joy in seeing her customers enjoy her kuih.

“I sell each piece for only RM1. Alhamdulillah, the kuih usually sells out in less than an hour,” she said.

Even though she makes a profit of about RM10 a day, it is sufficient for her needs, as she also receives a monthly pension of RM229 from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).