From small potatoes to a thriving spud business

In Batu Pahat, Danish Ekmal Edham, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, has transformed his passion for jacket potatoes into a thriving business named D's Kentang. Just six years ago, Danish started by preparing just six jacket potatoes a day from his home. Now, his venture sells more than 250 portions daily. The idea struck Danish in November last year when he found it challenging to find jacket potatoes in Batu Pahat.

He decided to learn how to make them himself, watching videos and experimenting for three weeks. With his mother and family members as taste testers, Danish developed the recipe that customers now enjoy. Starting with a capital of just RM100, Danish's business grew as orders increased, and he enlisted his sister and three part-time workers to help.

The menu now offers four main flavors - original classic with baked beans, creamy chicken, black pepper beef, and Big Mac beef - with customers able to choose two flavors in a single serving. Danish uses Russet potatoes to maintain the dish's texture. His customers come from Batu Pahat, Muar, Kluang, and even Singapore, including students from Syria and Jordan.

Danish aims to increase sales to 500 portions a day by year-end and plans to expand D's Kentang by opening a kiosk at a commercial lot or shopping center. He also intends to introduce new toppings every six months to keep the menu fresh.