From a Penang home kitchen to nationwide favourite: The story of Jeruk Madu Pak Ali
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 22 — What began as a way to stop surplus fruit from going to waste has grown into one of Penang&r...
In 1985, Datuk Alias Ali invented his signature honey-infused pickled fruit recipe to prevent surplus fruit from going to waste. Initially prepared in his home kitchen, he began selling the jeruk at roadside stalls and night markets across Penang. Almost four decades later, Jeruk Madu Pak Ali has evolved into a well-known food brand with a thriving business model.
The company now operates four production plants in Simpang Ampat, Penang Island, employing over 100 people and selling its products in more than 50 retail outlets nationwide.
Alias Ali opened his first retail location in Medan Suri, Sungai Nibong, in 2001, and subsequently expanded production to meet growing demand. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute and the Health Ministry provided guidance through the MeSTI food safety certification program, while Jeruk Madu Pak Ali earned halal certification.
Marketing and public relations executive Mohd Shahrul Nizam Shahidin revealed that the company's initial factory was constructed in 2008, and has since grown into four adjacent production facilities occupying a combined 142,000 square feet. These facilities currently produce approximately 300 tonnes of pickled fruits each month, yet demand has outpaced supply at 549 tonnes monthly.
Consequently, the company has not initiated export efforts, as their production capacity cannot meet local needs.
In anticipation of future growth, Jeruk Madu Pak Ali has acquired 18 acres of land in Kubang Ulu, Seberang Perai Tengah, for a proposed smart factory planned for completion by 2035. This new facility aims to cater to both local sales and exports, with interest already expressed from markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Brunei.
Despite its expansion, the company has remained true to its original recipe, which consists of fresh produce and natural ingredients. Jeruk Madu Pak Ali is currently designated as one of ten traditional trades featured in Penang Global Tourism's traditional trades campaign, organized in collaboration with Penang Heritage Trust. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai emphasized that these initiatives celebrate Penang's traditional trades, handmade products, and family recipes, preserving the state's living heritage for future generations.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
