KUCHING: Housewife Norihan Jamil drove home a brand new Isuzu D-Max after emerging tops in MAGGI’s ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ finale here on Sunday.
She was among the top three contestants who were tasked with identifying five unknown ingredients using only their senses in a taste test challenge.
Norihan emerged victorious after accurately naming all five ingredients in the final challenge to win the grand prize.
The first runner-up took home premium kitchen appliances worth RM3,000, while the remaining five finalists received RM1,500 worth of branded cooking appliances each.
This year’s theme, ‘Honouring the Cooks Behind the Festivities’, was a celebration of Sarawak’s heritage, unity, and food culture, held at the Vivacity Megamall here.
The ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ campaign, which spanned two months across Sarawak, attracted an astounding 24,000 entries, reaffirming MAGGI’s deep connection with local communities.
Seven finalists competed in the finale under the tagline “Warisan Citarasa Sarawak”, preparing dishes from a mystery box of ingredients like Ikan Salei Lumek and Sayur Kecei.
The top three contestants thereafter proceeded to the taste test challenge.
Through the campaign, MAGGI pledged 10 sen for every product purchased between May 1 to June 30, resulting in a RM15,000 donation to the PurpleLily Social Association Kuching.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, who officiated the event, praised MAGGI for elevating the Gawai celebration while contributing to community well-being.
“MAGGI has made our Gawai Dayak celebrations extra special every year, not just by supporting the festivities but also by empowering women through initiatives like Wanita Cukup Berani.
“Their contribution to PurpleLily is a step in the right direction: once you empower women, you empower entire communities,” she said.
This year also debuts the MAGGI Kari-Lah Roadshow in East Malaysia, celebrating the iconic 12-spice broth that has become a staple in Malaysian homes, featuring five interactive zones based on the senses and cooking demonstrations of dishes like Umai Udang MAGGI Kari and MAGGI Kari Terung Asam by Chef Sharifah Hamidah and Chef Muhammad Hakimi.
“MAGGI will always share a deep connection with East Malaysia, especially the Sarawak community, where its roots run strong,” said Ivy Tan, MAGGI’s Business Executive Officer for Malaysia and Singapore.
“With manufacturing facilities located in Sarawak and many Sarawakians part of the MAGGI® family, the brand remains a beloved companion through the familiar local flavours cherished by many,” she said.
