Malaysian youth carries on bahulu biz to honor father’s legacy

MELAKA, Malaysia (MNTV): A pair of cousins in Melaka city of Malaysia are continuing their family’s tradition of preparing bahulu, a fluffy egg sponge cake especially enjoyed during Ramadan and the Eidul Fitr (locally called Hari Ray) days.

Muhammad Najmi Amzairy, 18, and Arif Fathilah Othman, 28, have taken on the responsibility of supplying this must-have crispy treat introduced 24 years ago by their father.

Talking to The Star, Muhammad Najmi shared that he and his cousin were determined to carry on the business after the passing of his father in 2021.

“After completing my formal education this year, I chose to take on the responsibility of running the family business with my cousin.

 “Both of us are now working together to ensure that our family’s legacy lives on,” says the younger cousin.

 He said his late father supported his family by selling bahulu and he felt compelled to continue the business with the help of his cousin.

 “Letting this business fade away would be a great loss, especially since we already have all the necessary equipment in our workshop, and I have personally learned this skill from my late father,” he said.

Najmi said as the Eidul Fitr (locally called Hari Raya) approaches, demand for their bahulu doubles, providing an opportunity for both of them to generate additional income.

 “To make bahulu more accessible, we have kept their prices lower than the market rate,” he said.

 Currently, they produce around 1,000 pieces of bahulu per day.

“This business is more than just a source of income—it is a family legacy that must be preserved for future generations,” Muhammad Najmi added.