PEKAN: Surrounded by limau purut (kaffir lime), its leaves and a small bowl, Norezan Mad Derus can be mistaken for a woman "bomoh", or traditional Malay clairvoyant.
But there is also flour and dough on the table where she works - a clear indication that she's not in the spiritual healing or fortune-telling business.
The 46-year-old entrepreneur is actually exploiting the strong aroma from the lime and its leaves to make her kuih bangkit more delicious.
"It's more appealing to the younger generation, who dislikes the taste of the more traditional kuih bangkit made from rice flour, eggs and coconut milk," said Norezan.
The green limes are distinguished by their pimply exterior and are commonly used by Malays in traditional and spiritual healing processes.
For others, the lime's hourglass-shaped leaves are an important ingredient in popular cuisine such as tomyam and asam pedas.
Norezan said she had been experimenting with several natural flavours for her kuih bangkit with the help of the Agriculture Department.
Apart from limau purut flavour, she also produces kuih bangkit with yam and sesame seeds.
The mother of four is one of the successful businesswomen groomed by the Agriculture Department district office here. When she started the business eight years ago, Norezan could only produce 200 pieces of kuih bangkit daily.
With the department's help, she now produces an average of 3,000 pieces of the traditional cookie everyday. "I can produce up to 15,000 pieces daily during Ramadan," said Norezan, who has five assistants.
Operating from her home in Kampung Permatang Pauh, Norezan also produces other types of biscuits, including cornflakes and chocolate cookies.
Pekan Agriculture Department co-ordinating officer Nor Azlina Lee Abdullah said the department had presented Norezan with equipment worth RM10,000 and would allocate similar amount for her to expand her business in the next few years.
"I hope I can own a factory that specialises in making kuih bangkit one day," said Norezan.

(published: 7/10/2006)