The Demography and Business Profiles of Etak Salai Women Vendors in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Sustaining heritage foods is fraught with obstacles due to the changing of consumers’ demographic landscape and modernization which have changed living styles across the globe and Malaysia is not spared from this onslaught. On the other side of the coin, as for some providers and vendors of heritage foods, they are grappling and facing inescapable issues to keep their business afloat. Notwithstanding with the close connection of women who are considered as the guardians of heritage foods, research pertaining to women vendors are often neglected, rendering them as less important than heritage foods. The same thing has been observed in Malaysia. This study surveys the demography and business profiles of Etak Salai Women Vendors in Kelantan. The findings of the survey provide valuable insights into both the demography and profiles of women entrepreneurs who run the business. Judging from the information gathered in the study, it is not exaggerated to claim this heritage food of Kelantan is here to stay as it provides a steady income to the women vendors. Financially, though, it is not much earned by them, as long as they continue the business, the said heritage food can be sustained.