For Jeyacanth Govindraj, the third-generation owner of Selera Snacks in Petaling Jaya, producing over 5,000 pieces of murukku daily is no small feat.
“We operate from 8am to 10pm, and as we prepare the murukku using the traditional spiralling method, my employees need to complete around 10,000 rounds daily. I have to rotate my team to keep up with demand,” the 46-year-old told Bernama at his store recently.
Jeyacanth shared that, while he receives enquiries from as far as Singapore, the delicate texture of his murukku and its lack of preservatives limit his distribution range. “My murukku has a shelf life of only 15 days,” Jeyacanth explained.
Selera Snacks, which has been in business for over 30 years, offers 20 flavours of murukku and cookies. Jeyacanth also provides discounted prices for bulk orders, allowing suppliers to earn a profit.
During the festive season, his store sells up to 1,500 tins of murukku, each containing 95 to 100 pieces, alongside 15,000 containers of the popular snack.
Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, V Sumathi, owner of Vannavil Home-made Cookies, expressed excitement over this year’s brisk sales.
“So far, we’ve sold over 1,000 containers of murukku, and the crowds have been immense over the weekend with Deepavali just days away,” the 50-year-old shared.
Inspired by her mother to venture into business, Sumathi remembers selling just 20 containers of murukku when she first started out. Today, she offers around eight varieties of murukku as well as more than 60 types of cookies, catering to a diverse clientele across all communities.
In Ipoh, Perak, N Pusparani is a home-based baker with over a decade of experience. “I started selling murukku because I love its cultural significance within the Hindu community, and it’s a beloved snack among Malaysians,” the 58-year-old said.
“Since then, I’ve been committed to providing my customers with delicious snacks and sweets.”
During the festive season, Pusparani targets sales of 300 bottles of murukku, and primarily receives orders from Johor, Melaka, Penang, and Perak.
In Melaka, A Kasthury, 35, began her home-based murukku business four years ago and finds joy in supporting her family through her sales.
“I started with just 10 containers of murukku, and this year, I’ve received orders for about 25,” she said, noting that her murukku’s pleasant texture and affordability keep customers returning.