KUCHING: West Malaysians craving a taste of home during the fasting month of Penrissen Campshould consider heading to Mile 8 Kem Penrissen (Penrissen Camp) for authentic West Malaysian flavours.
Second Lieutenant Ahmad Nadzim Fahmi Hafizfrom Bahagian Sel Risik Markas Tiga Brigad (MK 3 Bgd) said the location within the camp is called Pasar Dayak, which has long been established as a marketplace where the wives of army personnel sell fresh produce.
However, during Ramadan, the entire market transforms into a Ramadan bazaar, offering mostly West Malaysian delicacies.
According to Ahmad Nazim, about 30 stalls operate during Ramadan, starting from 3 pm until Maghrib (around 7 pm).
“There are about 30 stalls here, mostly operated by the wives of army personnel, and sometimes you’ll see their husbands helping out. We have also rented out a few stalls to outside vendors.
“If you’re craving West Malaysian flavours — or if you’re a local Sarawakian wanting to try something different — come visit the camp.
“We offer a variety of West Malaysian food, such as murtabak, roti canai, curry puffs, and Kelantanese local cakes like ‘lompat tikam’ and ‘akok’. You’ll also find spring rolls, nasi kerabu, Penang laksa, curry mee, and many more,” he said.
On regular days, Pasar Dayak functions as a local market for residents within the Penrissen Camp compound, selling daily produce.
Visitors can enter the Ramadan bazaar through Gate A (the camp’s main entrance) or the gate behind the camp, which is located next to Sekolah Kebangsaan Wira Penrissen. Parking is readily available.
A local Sarawakian, Dayang Yana Awang Leman, 39, has been selling food at the Ramadan bazaar since 2021.
She said that although her husband has retired from the army, they are still given the privilege to participate in the bazaar.
“This year, I am selling nasi lemak berlauk (nasi lemak with side dishes) as well as the basic nasi lemak. Prices are quite reasonable — for example, the basic nasi lemak is only RM2.50, while the ones with dishes, such as sambal clams, chicken curry, or fried chicken, are priced based on the customer’s choice.
“Please come and support us! We have a variety of West Malaysian and local Sarawakian food here. If you miss West Malaysian flavours, Pasar Dayak is the place to be,” she said, adding that the income from sales helps support her family.
Another vendor, Zarina Arsham, 35, from Pasir Putih, Kelantan, specialises in Kelantanese cuisine, particularly nasi kerabu.
She has been in Sarawak for two years, following her husband who is stationed here, and has been participating in the Ramadan Bazaar since she arrived.
“My specialties include nasi kerabu ayam percik, nasi kerabu ayam berempah, Penang laksa, laksam, and other Kelantanese dishes. To my Sarawakian friends, come and try some delicious Kelantanese food!” she said.
Another highlight of the bazaar is Norazlina Abu Bakar, 38, who is assisted by her husband, Sgt Mohd Azizul Abdul Basir. The couple, originally from Kedah, has been selling their signature dishes at the bazaar for the past 10 years.
“We offer a variety of food, not just Kedah specialties like laksa, but also local kuih, including some that we make ourselves,” said Norazlina.
