ALOR STAR: Putu kacang and kuih karas are among the favourite traditional treats of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
They are always on the couple’s shopping list whenever they visit Pekan Rabu, here, ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Warisan Mak Chah stall owner Suria Hassan, 49, said Dr Mahathir and his wife were her long-time customers.
“They have been buying from the stall since the time when my late grandfather manned it,” said Suria today.
“They make it a point to come here to buy various traditional kuih as part of their preparations for Aidilfitri.
“It’s so easy to deal with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.
“Despite being quite particular when choosing kuih, the both of them don’t mind the price of kuih sold here.
“I am very honoured that the country’s number one leader continues to choose my stall.
“He also spends some time to catch up with the traders here.”
Dr Siti Hasmah also bought dodol lemak, dodol durian, kuih bangkit, kuah rojak, serunding, biskut suji and acar limau.
Dr Mahathir who arrived later at about 11am spent some 20 minutes at the complex.
Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Dr Mahathir also took the opportunity to buy his favourite “Sty”e Tun” songkok, which are handmade by Sardi Dahar.
Sardi said the prime minister’s name was synonymous with Pekan Rabu as he was once a trader at the premises.
“This songkok has been in the market for 10 years and Tun Dr Mahathir will tell me to always make sure that this product is of quaility,” he said.
“Besides the songkok, he also bought a pair of capal (traditional thong sandals), Baju Melayu buttons and kain sampin,” he said.