While election candidates race against time to win votes in Melaka, 61-year-old Zaitun Adi is busy flipping and stretching more than 200 pieces of roti canai every morning to feed campaign workers in Tanjung Bidara.
Her day begins as early as 5am, with Zaitun and two other workers starting preparations after Subuh prayers to serve breakfast to campaign workers and local residents throughout the state election campaign.
Despite her age, Zaitun remains energetic as she prepares the popular Malaysian flatbread to meet the growing demand at the Tanjung Bidara state constituency.
“Usually, after Subuh, people are already coming in, including mosque congregants who regularly have breakfast at the shop where I work.
“It’s not just campaign workers who can eat here. Villagers are welcome too, as we do not restrict it to anyone,” she said.
Zaitun, who has worked as a roti canai maker for more than 10 years, revealed that she picked up the skill through self-learning rather than formal training.
She said she initially learned by watching others prepare roti canai before trying it herself.
“That was how I started learning, and I have continued doing it until today,” she said.
This is her first time being involved in preparing food throughout an election campaign, and she said she was delighted to see campaign workers enjoying her cooking.
Zaitun added that receiving positive feedback from those who had her roti canai made the early mornings worthwhile.
“At least I can contribute something to this election by using the skills I have,” she said.
