KUALA LUMPUR – In the heart of One Krubong, amidst the bustling aroma of grilled meats and traditional delicacies that define a Malaysian Ramadan bazaar, one stall is capturing hearts for more than just its culinary prowess. Inn Tepung Pelita, a humble stall known for its authentic green-and-white custard treats, has become a beacon of community spirit thanks to a unique initiative by its owner, Azlina Abdullah.
This year, Azlina is not just selling desserts; she is gifting experiences. Through a daily “Scratch and Win” campaign, she is distributing 50 prizes every single day, turning a simple evening purchase into a moment of genuine excitement and gratitude.
For 49-year-old Azlina, the motivation behind this campaign is rooted in a deeply personal commitment to the concept of Kongsi Rezeki—the traditional belief in sharing one’s blessings with others. While many businesses focus on maximizing seasonal profits during the festive rush, Azlina’s priority is to give back to the community that sustains her.
“Every year, I make it a point to share what I have, usually through the distribution of duit raya (festive money packets),” Azlina explained. “But for 2026, I wanted to do something a bit more interactive and surprising. I wanted my customers to feel the joy of receiving a gift, no matter how big or small.”
The scale of the giveaway is impressive for a local small business. By the end of the holy month, Azlina will have handed out approximately 1,000 individual gifts. The prizes are curated with a focus on utility—items like reusable water bottles and various household essentials that provide practical value to the recipients.
The mechanics are simple: customers who visit the stall participate in a “Scratch and Win” draw. This element of surprise has transformed the stall into a local landmark this Ramadan, with queues forming not just for the food, but for the chance to participate in Azlina’s “Kindness Project.”
Despite the fanfare surrounding the prizes, the core of the business remains the quality of the tepung pelita itself. Patrons often remark that the dessert captures the elusive “village-style” (rasa asli kampung) flavor that is often lost in mass-produced versions.
“The taste takes you back to your childhood,” said one regular customer. “The fact that the owner is so generous with these prizes just makes the experience even better. You can tell she isn’t just doing this for the money; she truly cares about her customers.”
In an era where the cost of living and commercial pressures are often the primary topics of conversation, Azlina Abdullah’s story serves as a refreshing reminder of the power of grassroots generosity. Her initiative at One Krubong demonstrates that you don’t need to be a large corporation to make a significant social impact.
As the sun sets over Melaka each evening and families gather to break their fast, the small wins at Inn Tepung Pelita serve as a reminder that the sweetest part of Ramadan is the spirit of giving.
