C. Khor
Nasik Kandaq Transporter (NKT) has successfully secured a partnership with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to offer this renowned Penang Nasi Kandar culinary experience to passengers aboard the trains.
The success of this venture owes much to the collaboration of NasiKandarHunters (NKH), a passionate Facebook group of nasi kandar enthusiasts, and Segi Seri Group, the company operating the train’s café.
A lockdown Nasi Kandar inspiration takes off
Mohamed Hidzir bin Mohamed Nordin a.ka. Mamu Zir is the mastermind behind this innovative venture.
Driven by cravings for Penang’s iconic dish during the 2020 lockdown, Mamu Zir started “Nasi Kandar Transporter,” delivering nasi kandar directly using his car.
“I started my business in 2020 due to the lockdown. Many people were craving for Penang’s famous nasi kandar, so I delivered to them using my car.”
“I was also approached by Tengku Zafrul, who was the then Finance Minister to transport nasi kandar to his office,” he said, chuckling at the viral video of a helicopter transporting 36 packets of nasi kandar which took place three years ago in Ipoh.
“No, I was not involved at all,” he clarified.
Fans of Penang’s nasi kandar used to buy from me at Seri Kembangan at Lembah Klang on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I used to sell between 400 to 500 servings of nasi kandar weekly. However, now that MCO is over, the demand has gone down and I no longer sell there.
“I never expected business to be so good during MCO – I even received an order for 2,000 packets of nasi kandar and had them delivered from Penang to Klang Valley.
Savouring Penang Nasik Kandaq‘s flavours onboard
Mamu Zir’s passion goes beyond delivering nasi kandar; he ensures authenticity by partnering with top vendors from Penang and their Kuala Lumpur branches.
Passengers can expect a taste of Penang’s culinary heritage with each nasi kandar packet, priced at RM16. Each packet features fluffy rice, crispy fried chicken, tender ladies’ fingers, and a generous helping of their signature gravy or “kuah campur.”
NKT launched its service on February 1st this year, serving up Penang’s culinary delight aboard train EP 9175 on the Butterworth to KL Sentral route.
Hungry passengers could grab their nasi kandar fix at the coach café located in the third carriage.
Commuters travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth can relish this culinary delight on trains EP9174, EP9176, and EG9322.
Conversely, those journeying from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur can enjoy nasi kandar on trains EP9175, EP9179, and EP9177.
Passengers commuting between Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar have the opportunity to indulge in nasi kandar aboard train EF9420, while those heading in the opposite direction can savour this dish on train EP9279.”
Besides the ETS, Mamu Zir transports nasi kandar throughout Peninsular Malaysia. “I transport nasi kandar to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
I also deliver orders to Kedah and Perlis on Thursdays. On other days, depending on orders, I do send to places as far as Kelantan, Trengganu and even Johor,” he said.
Mamu Zir said that he gets his nasi kandar supply from all the top vendors from Penang and their branches in Kuala Lumpur.
“In Penang, we get our supplies from Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu in Ayer Itam, Nasi Kandar Mohamed Raffee in Pulau Tikus, Nasi Kandar Hameediyah in Campbell Street, Nasi Kandar Deen in Jelutong, Nasi Kandar Imigresen (Lorong Pasar), Nasi Kandar Deen Maju (Jalan Gurdwara), Nasi Kandar Sulaiman (Ayer Itam), Nasi Kandar Ali Amier (Jelutong), Nasi Kandar Yusof (Relau) and Nasi Kandar Jamal Ketapang in Butterworth.
Whether you’re a seasoned nasi kandar enthusiast or a curious first-timer, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to experience Penang’s culinary heritage on the go.
“‘Nasi Kandar Transporter’ has a total of 45 staff, which includes delivery personnel. Mamu Zir, humorously promotes his tagline, “Ampa tak pi Penang, Penang mai kat ampa,” in distinct local Penang slang.
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