KUALA LUMPUR: It is that time of the year during the holy month of Ramadan, where charity begins from the heart.
And stall owner Norazhari Mohd Noor, 57, better known as Jerry, has never forgotten the support from his loyal customers.
Thus, it was time once again for him to dish out 500 packets of his famous home-cooked bubur lambuk (savoury porridge), on a complimentary basis to his patrons and passers-by, yesterday.
Jerry was busy as a bee at his modest roadside stall - 'Warong Akok Kedut Jerry's' - in Jalan AU2B, Keramat AU2 in Setiawangsa, Selangor.
He was ably assisted by his wife Fatin Aliza Salmi @ Pearl, 32, her step-son Daniel, 26, - and village friends Umi Samsudin, 41, and Ahmad Prabudi Harahap, 19, both from Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Jerry is the step-father to Fatin Aliza's daughter and popular child-actress Puteri Rafasya Abdul Rauf, 10, who has starred in numerous local dramas and movies.
"This is my small yet meaningful way to offer thanks-giving to the Almighty for keeping my business alive during this trying global Covid-19 pandemic.
"Although the pandemic and its subsequent Movement Control Order has greatly affected my income, I praise the Lord for his mercifulness and compassion to keep my family afloat.
"Some of my regular customers have returned to seek out my authentic Kelantanese delights, the most favourite being the akok kedut pandan (pandan leaf pancake)," said Jerry.
Jerry professed in "Lagi kedut akoknya, lagi sedap." (The more wrinkled the akok, the tastier it is), adding that his customers demand quality and originality.
Occasionally, Jerry also offers delicacies to the less fortunate as his way of giving back to society.
Jerry said that his bubur lambuk was snapped up quickly as people knew it was prepared with an authentic Kelantan-Terengganu recipe.
Jerry strives to maintain the quality of his foodstuff, holding true to his stall's catchy motto: 'Ori Kelate – Makan hari ini, esok cari lagi' (Original Kelantan – Eat today, tomorrow you will return).
A native of Kota Baru, Jerry said he had spent time in Terengganu before moving for greener pastures in the federal capital four decades ago.
Today, his 'Warong Akok Kedut Jerry's' is a favourite haunt for those seeking his authentic Kelantan-Terengganu delicacies, prepared by himself, Fatin Aliza and Daniel.
For Ramadan, Jerry's stall offers traditional delicacies like akok kedut pandan, ayam percik ori Kelate', pulut hitam bubur cha cha, and many others.
"I guess, mine is just about the only stall in this area that sells authentic Terengganu-Kelantan delicacies.
"And people know this by word of mouth. They come from all over to buy my stuff, which I continue to sell at very affordable prices," said Jerry, who also offers pick-up orders.
Off Ramadan, Jerry's stall sells nasi lemak pedas, lompat tikam, kerabu sare (with seaweed), and other items. But the most favourite is Jerry's akok, hence the name of his stall.
Apart from Ramadan, Jerry's stall is also annually flocked for a reunion by his classmates of the 1964 batch of Form 5 Science 5, from the Sultan Ismail College in Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Calling themselves the 'Ismailian 1964', the anok kelate (Kelantan-born) classmates - all aged 57 - gather to mix bubur Asyura, which is another traditional savoury porridge and give complimentary packs to his patrons and passers-by.
"I decided to organise this annual 'kacau bubur suro' (Kelantanese for mixing Asyura porridge) 10 years ago, to forge closer rapport and camaraderie among ourselves.