ANN/THE STAR – Satay is set to achieve a new level of fame in Selangor, Malaysia following the state’s plan to gazette the popular dish as its heritage food.
A proposal on the matter would be sent to the state executive council later this year, said Selangor State Heritage and Malay Customs Corporation chairman Borhan Aman Shah.
“Although satay is marketed and sold nationwide, it is most popular in Kajang, a district in Selangor.
“The proposal is expected to receive approval in early 2024,” he said at the launch of Fiesta Sate Selangor at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort in Bagan Lalang on Saturday.
Borhan, who is also state housing and culture committee chairman, said Chief Minister Amirudin Shari is expected to announce the official gazetting of the dish.
The satay festival at Pantai Bagan Lalang saw many people turning up to enjoy the dish while soaking in the beach side view.
About 11,000 visitors came at noon, with about 100,000 pieces of satay served from 9am to 3pm, featuring 20 satay vendors.
State rural development, unity and consumers committee chairman Rizam Ismail said the event will be recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records.
He added the event was an improvement from a similar occasion held in 2015, of which some 50,000 pieces of satay was served.
He said the fiesta, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sunday, was a good indication of the racial diversity and unity in Selangor.
“People of all racial backgrounds turned up in droves to enjoy their favourite dish.
“It is part of the state government’s effort at instilling the spirit of togetherness among its people through food,” he said.
The event even attracted people from neighbouring states.
Bachik Husin, 66, from Sepang, brought his wife and three children to enjoy free food.
“I learned about the event via our neighbourhood’s chat group. My wife and I decided to come,” he said.
Anbalagan Anandan, 50, from Nilai, Negri Sembilan, also came with his wife and three daughters.
“More events like this should be held to help promote the various leisure destinations in Selangor,” he said.
Chelsea Ng, 33, decided to show up with her friend after she learned about the fiesta via word of mouth.
“It has the vibes of a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house. It is quite festive,” she added.
Sate Kajang Haji Samuri marketing executive Muhammad Rafizan Yusoff said the event was a good platform for smaller vendors to widen their market.
“It is also a chance for visitors to enjoy satay from different places in one place,” he added.
