By Editor KB,Wilfred Pilo

Copyright dayakdaily

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Oct 2: With 40 years of experience selling pork alongside her late husband, 58-year-old Chong Hiok Mui, affectionately known as Ah Mui, found the courage to venture into the food business in Munggu Sabun, Simanggang.

What began as a means of survival more than 10 years ago has since blossomed into a thriving café, well-loved by locals for its homestyle dishes.

“After my husband suffered a stroke, life became very difficult. I had young children, and I had to find a way to support the family,” Chong recalled in an interview with DayakDaily.

Without hesitation, she turned to cooking, something she had long been passionate about. “I didn’t think twice. With everything happening, who else was I going to turn to? What other choice did I have to feed my family?”

With little capital to start a proper shop, Chong converted the foyer of her home into a small eatery. “This little space has turned out to be enough. It’s grown steadily and has sustained us ever since,” she said.

Chong put careful thought into her menu. With two nearby schools and surrounding residential areas, she focused on affordable meals that could satisfy families and working folk alike.

“It’s like choosing the best cuts of pork. People here know what they want, good food at a fair price. So I chose noodles and simple rice dishes, the kind of food people never tire of.”

Like many small business owners, she faced hurdles, including differences in taste preferences, limited resources, and the daily grind, but overcame them with perseverance.

“It’s about survival, instinct, and knowing your customers. I didn’t have any other choice. I had to make a living. Thank God, this café has kept us going all these years,” she said.

Proud of her mixed Chinese and Iban heritage, Chong believes her bilingual ability and reputation from years of pork selling gave her an advantage in building rapport with customers. “In a small local food spot like this, tasty food speaks for itself.”

In 2013, support came from her daughter, Lee Hui Ping, who returned from Singapore after working in the culinary field for seven years. Now 30, Lee injects fresh energy into the family business.

“My daughter helps to promote our café and takes care of the morning shift, especially with the noodle dishes, while I handle the late afternoon and evening crowd,” Chong explained.

Lee sees the business as both a livelihood and a family bond. “My mother shares a portion of the café with me, so I can gain financial independence while learning the trade. It’s a collaborative effort, a give-and-take for our family,” she said with a smile.

Located along Jalan Kapitan Koh Eng Hong, Munggu Sabun, Simanggang, Ah Mui’s café opens daily from 6am to 9pm, except Sundays. For more information, call 014-303 9567. — DayakDaily