KUALA LUMPUR: A man was left disappointed after the 'Pulut Panggang' he bought at a Ramadan bazaar turned out to be hard 'like wood'. 'Pulut panggang', a traditional Malaysian snack made from glutinous rice is typically grilled or roasted over charcoal. The glutinous rice is mixed with coconut milk and wrapped with banana leaves for added aroma.
Typically, these cakes have a soft and chewy interior. However, in the TikTok video shared by @kanda.nismilan, this was for from the case.The purchaser of the offending Ramadan treat said he spent RM13 on 10 sticks for breaking fast.
Yet, judging from the loud clinking sound they made when struck against a plate, they could also break his teeth, as pointed out by one commenter." The story of the 1st of Ramadan… I don't know if I want to laugh or cry… it's like wood.," said @kanda.nismilan in the caption of the video.
However, he did not mention the exact location of the Ramadan bazaar.
The comment section of the post was flooded with various comments from users sharing their opinions on the Ramadan purchase.
"Usually its Karipap angin, this year its pulut panggang kayu," said Aafiya85."This year I promised myself that I won't buy food at the Ramadhan bazaar. It's better to cook it yourself", said user Syamsul Affendi62.
"Hard as rock" said Wandi Wansu"Wow.. super crispy," opined azhaismail.
The issue of low quality food at Ramadan bazaars is a recurrent theme each year during the holy month.
This year, the Health Ministry announced that it will carry out its Ramadan Operation to ensure foods sold all premises, including Ramadan bazaars, are safe for consumption.
In a statement, the ministry said this year's Ramadan Operation would be carried out involving inspections at premises and food sampling throughout the country.
Food poisoning due to poor food handling is a particular cause for concern.
The ministry has advised the public to prioritise food safety throughout this Ramadan when selecting any meals, to "Observe and Choose" before purchasing and practice "See, Smell, Taste" to prevent food poisoning.