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Barnama
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Authentic Traditional Malay Cuisine Offers Health Benefits
W hile often celebrated for its rich flavours, traditional Malay cuisine—especially village-style recipes passed down through generations—also carries notable health benefits, a fact many have overlooked or forgotten. Prepared with fresh ingredients like onions, turmeric, ginger and galangal, traditional Malay dishes are known for their distinctive aroma that whets the appetite. They are typically served with ulam (raw herbs) and a variety of sambal. Often seen as labour-intensive, such dishes are now rarely served at home — especially with the growing popularity of instant seasoning products, which many homemakers use to save time. This shift risks the gradual loss of these treasured, time-honoured recipes. To preserve this culinary heritage, Restoran Dulang Tok Wan, located here, is leading the way in promoting authentic traditional Malay cuisine. According to its owner, S Zuraida Said, every dish is prepared using only fresh ingredients, with no shortcuts, to retain its original flavour and nutritional value. AUTHENTIC COOKING After gaining traction on social media, the restaurant — which opened in February last year — caught the writer's attention, leading to a visit and a meeting with Zuraida, 64. Far from an ordinary cook, Zuraida brings with her over 55 years of kitchen experience, having started helping her father in their restaurant when she was just nine. 'In the past, villagers didn't have access to modern medicine. So, they cooked with health in mind, using vegetables and herbs readily available around their homes or villages,' she shared. Preferring to be called Cik Da, she pointed to a plate of stir-fried young papaya in front of the writer. 'Back then, elders would cook young papaya to help prevent constipation,' she explained. 'When I was little, we'd eat it with salted fish and hot rice.' Admittedly, it was the writer's first time tasting stir-fried young papaya. Its tender texture, subtle spiciness, and hint of sweetness made it surprisingly appetising. 'If you cook crab in coconut milk with pineapple core, it is believed to help reduce gout and joint pain,' said Cik Da. Snails prepared in coconut milk are said to be even more nutritious when combined with sweet potatoes and pucuk manis (sweet leaf shoots), which are high in fibre and can help ease stomach discomfort. 'The combination of these ingredients supports digestion and even helps flush out fine sand particles commonly found in snails,' she explained. According to Cik Da, the main difference between modern Malay dishes and traditional ones lies in the choice of ingredients. 'Nowadays, people prefer shortcuts and avoid the hassle of preparing spices from scratch, so the authentic taste is lost. Many, especially the younger generation, have never truly tasted real traditional Malay cooking,' she said. ROYAL CUISINE According to Cik Da, every dish at the restaurant is prepared the traditional Malay way — a process that goes beyond ingredients and flavour to reflect the heritage and identity passed down through generations. She began cooking at nine years old after the passing of her mother. Born in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, and raised in Gerik, Perak, she grew up in a traditional village setting steeped in kitchen customs, culinary wisdom, and strict hygiene practices. 'I'm not just a cook — I inherited my late father's kitchen,' she shared, adding that she was fortunate to learn from Kak Hamidah, one of her father's kitchen assistants who had previously worked as a royal palace chef. 'She was in her 60s back in the 70s and taught me a great deal, especially about royal dishes and the finer points of authentic Malay cooking,' she said. Among the royal dishes served at her restaurant are Talam Diraja, Nasi Lamuni, Rendang Rusa (venison rendang), mutton curry, grilled chicken, pulut kuning, (yellow glutinous rice), and sambal hijau daun kari ( spicy green chili paste infused with curry leaves). Cik Da is generous with her knowledge. Noticing the prawns in coconut milk on the writer's table, she explained that adding mashed pumpkin to the dish helps enhance its richness while preserving the prawns' natural sweetness. 'It's even better when the prawn flavours blend perfectly with the gravy,' she added with a smile. MEDICALLY MONITORED To instil greater confidence among diners, the menu at Dulang Tok Wan is overseen by a medical doctor - Ahmad Faisal Ahmad Nazri, 33 - the youngest of Cik Da's four children. 'My son ensures that every dish we serve is nutritious and made with high-quality ingredients. We also maintain strict standards of cleanliness and halal compliance,' said the proud mother, adding that all chefs at the restaurant are local Malaysians skilled in traditional Malay cuisine. In keeping with the kampung spirit, every dish is served in vintage-style floral ceramic plates and bowls, reminiscent of those once used by grandmothers. 'All our tableware is cleaned using industrial machines to ensure proper hygiene,' she added. Keen to preserve the legacy of authentic Malay cooking, Cik Da said she is currently compiling her inherited recipes into a book. She also aspires to franchise Dulang Tok Wan, not only to promote traditional Malay cuisine on a wider scale but also to empower local entrepreneurs. AURA OF THE VILLAGE Earlier, from the moment the writer stepped into the restaurant, the tantalising aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, stirring the senses and building anticipation for the much-hyped culinary experience promoted by social media foodies. Opting for a RM25 meal set that included snapper in spicy tamarind gravy, prawns in coconut milk, omelette, kerabu kampung (village-style salad), and a selection of raw herbs, the writer waited as the food arrived — still steaming — on a floral-patterned metal tray, instantly evoking nostalgic memories of childhood meals at their grandmother's home. Starting the meal with a spoonful of rice and snapper cooked in spicy tamarind gravy, the spiciness was balanced by a sour and slightly sweet taste — reminiscent of the classic asam pedas found in Melaka. The freshness of the kerabu kampung added a crisp, mouth-watering contrast. Each bite was complemented by ulam such as kacang botol (winged beans), cucumber, pegaga (pennywort) and daun selom (water celery), dipped in sambal belacan — delivering a deeply satisfying, authentic experience. For the writer, the RM25 meal felt more than worth it. Yet, dining at Dulang Tok Wan was about more than just food. It was a nostalgic journey back to the era of traditional wood-fire kitchens — where every dish was lovingly prepared without shortcuts or the artificial flavours of pre-mixed onion or ginger powder that may contain unknown additives.
Malaysian Reserve
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
Federal Court grants PKR leave to appeal in Zuraida's bond payment reduction case
PUTRAJAYA — The Federal Court here today granted Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leave to appeal against the appellate court's decision to reduce the bond payment owed by its former vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin (picture) from RM10 million to RM100,000 in a party bond breach case. The leave application was allowed by the Federal Court's three-panel judges comprising Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, which is a prerequisite for matters proceeding to the Federal Court. The appeal will centre on a single question of law, which was amended by the bench during today's hearing. The question allowed to be argued in the substantive appeal is whether a party (A) to a financial bond, agrees to pay a certain sum of money as liquidated damages to (B) upon the happening of a certain event and; admits in a recital to such financial bond, that, the sum of money represented the value that (A) had received from (B), can have the court override such admission of fact and proceed to decide whether that sum constitutes reasonable compensation, taking into account the peculiar nature of the relationship between the parties. On Dec 11 last year, the appellate court three-man bench led by Judge Datuk See Mee Chun upheld the High Court's ruling that Zuraida had breached the bond but reduced the quantum payment from RM10 million to RM100,000. Previously, in Jun 23, 2023, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled in favour of PKR and ordered Zuraida, who is the former Ampang Member of Parliament, to pay RM10 million in accordance with the bond's terms. The presiding judge, Datuk Akhtar Tahir, held that the bond was a valid and binding contract. The lawsuit was initiated in 2020, by PKR's secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on behalf of the party, claiming Zuraida had violated the terms of a bond she signed before contesting in the 14th General Election in 2018. Under the bond, among others, Zuraida was required to pay PKR RM10 million to the party within seven days if she resigned from PKR, joined another political party, or became an independent representative after being elected on the party's ticket. In her defence, Zuraida contended that she was forced to sign the bond with the party to be able to stand for election as a candidate in the general election under the PKR banner. In today's proceeding, PKR was represented by lawyers Ranjit Singh, William Leong, Navpreet Singh, Sakina Siraj, Chew Chun Man and Liew Hong Wei, while Zuraida was represented by counsels Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, Nurul Najwa Zainuddin and Muhammad Firdaus Shaik Alauddin. — BERNAMA
The Star
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Apex court grants PKR leave to appeal in Zuraida's bond reduction case
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has granted PKR leave to appeal against an appellate court decision reducing the payment owed by its former vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin in a party bond breach case from RM10mil to RM100,000. The leave application was allowed by a three-judge panel Tuesday (June 24) comprising Justices Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera. The appeal will centre on a single question of law, which was amended by the bench during today's hearing. ALSO READ: PKR'S leave to appeal bid in Zuraida's bond payment case set for hearing on June 24 The question allowed to be argued in the substantive appeal is whether a party (A) to a financial bond, agrees to pay a certain sum of money as liquidated damages to (B) upon the happening of a certain event; and admits in a recital to such financial bond, that the sum of money represented the value that (A) had received from (B), can have the court override such admission of fact and proceed to decide whether that sum constitutes reasonable compensation, taking into account the peculiar nature of the relationship between the parties. On Dec 11, a Court of Appeal three-member bench led by Justice Datuk See Mee Chun upheld the High Court's ruling that Zuraida had breached the bond, but reduced the quantum payment from RM10mil to RM100,000. Previously, on June 23, 2023, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled in favour of PKR and ordered Zuraida, who is the former Ampang MP, to pay RM10mil in accordance with the bond's terms. ALSO READ: Former PKR vice-president Zuraida ordered to pay RM100,000 for bond breach Presiding judge justice Datuk Akhtar Tahir held that the bond was a valid and binding contract. The lawsuit was initiated in 2020 by then PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on behalf of the party, claiming Zuraida had violated the terms of a bond she signed before contesting in the 14th General Election in 2018. ALSO READ: High Court orders Zuraida to pay RM10mil for breaking PKR bond Under the bond, among others, Zuraida was required to pay RM10mil to the party within seven days if she resigned from PKR, joined another political party, or became an independent representative after being elected on a PKR ticket. In her defence, Zuraida contended that she was forced to sign the bond to be able to stand for election as a candidate in the general election under the PKR banner. – Bernama
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Federal Court Grants PKR Leave To Appeal In Zuraida's Bond Payment Reduction Case
PUTRAJAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Federal Court here today granted Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leave to appeal against the appellate court's decision to reduce the bond payment owed by its former vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin from RM10 million to RM100,000 in a party bond breach case. The leave application was allowed by the Federal Court's three-panel judges comprising Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, which is a prerequisite for matters proceeding to the Federal Court. The appeal will centre on a single question of law, which was amended by the bench during today's hearing. The question allowed to be argued in the substantive appeal is whether a party (A) to a financial bond, agrees to pay a certain sum of money as liquidated damages to (B) upon the happening of a certain event and; admits in a recital to such financial bond, that, the sum of money represented the value that (A) had received from (B), can have the court override such admission of fact and proceed to decide whether that sum constitutes reasonable compensation, taking into account the peculiar nature of the relationship between the parties. On Dec 11 last year, the appellate court three-man bench led by Judge Datuk See Mee Chun upheld the High Court's ruling that Zuraida had breached the bond but reduced the quantum payment from RM10 million to RM100,000. Previously, in Jun 23, 2023, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled in favour of PKR and ordered Zuraida, who is the former Ampang Member of Parliament, to pay RM10 million in accordance with the bond's terms. The presiding judge, Datuk Akhtar Tahir, held that the bond was a valid and binding contract. The lawsuit was initiated in 2020, by PKR's secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on behalf of the party, claiming Zuraida had violated the terms of a bond she signed before contesting in the 14th General Election in 2018. Under the bond, among others, Zuraida was required to pay PKR RM10 million to the party within seven days if she resigned from PKR, joined another political party, or became an independent representative after being elected on the party's ticket. In her defence, Zuraida contended that she was forced to sign the bond with the party to be able to stand for election as a candidate in the general election under the PKR banner.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PKR allowed to appeal reduction of Zuraida's bond from RM10mil to RM100k
PUTRAJAYA: PKR has been granted leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that reduced a bond payment from RM10 million to RM100,000, to be paid by former vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin. A three-member Federal Court panel chaired by Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan allowed the motion by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for leave to appeal against the bond payment and the appellate court's order for PKR to pay Zuraida RM40,000 in costs. PKR was granted leave to appeal on one question of law, with amendments made by the judges during the hearing today, for the Federal Court to determine. The amended question reads: "Whether a party (A) to a financial bond in favour of the other party (B), (a) agrees to pay a certain sum of money as liquidated damages to (B) upon the happening of a certain event; and (b) makes an admission of fact in a recital to such financial bond, that that sum of money represented the value that (A) had received from (B) — can the Court override such admission of fact and proceed to decide whether that sum constitutes reasonable compensation taking into account the peculiar nature of the relationship between the parties?" With the leave granted, PKR will proceed to the next stage, which is the appeal proper, to be heard on a future date. Nallini sat with judges Datuk Nordin Hassan and Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera. During proceedings today, PKR was represented by lawyers Ranjit Singh, William Leong and Navpreet Singh. Lawyer Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun acted for Zuraida. In December last year, a three-member Court of Appeal panel led by Datuk See Mee Chun unanimously upheld the Kuala Lumpur High Court's ruling that Zuraida had breached the bond but overturned the quantum of RM10 million. See, who sat with judges Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid, had varied the sum to RM100,000. The panel said they could not ignore Zuraida's breach of bond and that she was not absolved from any liability. The panel also ordered PKR to pay RM40,000 to Zuraida for the costs of the appeal. The suit was filed by Saifuddin on Sept 28, 2022 in his capacity as the then PKR secretary-general. Saifuddin said Zuraida, who quit PKR in 2020, had executed a bond that bound her to pay the party the sum in accordance with the set terms and conditions, including paying a sum of RM10 million for quitting the party. In June 2023, High Court judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir allowed PKR's suit against Zuraida, and ordered her to pay RM10 million as well as RM50,000 in cost to PKR. Akhtar, in his judgment, said Zuraida herself had acknowledged that PKR had spent an amount exceeding RM10 million on her candidacy during the election. He said this meant it was a clear admission on Zuraida's part that she could not retract, and that she had signed the bond with full knowledge of its contents. It was aimed at deterring the party's candidates from acting against its interest before or after an election. Zuraida, who later filed an appeal, has claimed that she was forced to sign the bond with the party to become its candidate in the 14th General Election in 2018. She said she received the document from the party's leadership a day before nomination day and did not have ample time to read the entire content, describing it as unilaterally prepared and that all candidates were compelled to sign it.
