From Kelantan to Klang Valley in time for breakfast

Every night, thousands of packets of Kelantanese delicacies embark on a journey to the bustling Klang Valley, arriving in time for eager customers. The process, known as Nasi Berlauk Kelate Express, is the brainchild of Syafrini Azmi, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who has been running the service for almost a decade. Starting modestly with just 200 packets per trip, Syafrini's business has grown exponentially, now able to carry over 3,000 packets in a single run to the Klang Valley.

What began as a simple idea from friend Yusri Yusoff, who noticed a demand for familiar Kelantan flavors among those living outside the state, has evolved into a complex network of food suppliers and operators. Today, the delivery service includes a diverse range of Kelantan dishes such as nasi berlauk, nasi kerabu, kuih, and more, all packed into vans and collected from various locations across Tumpat, Wakaf Che Yeh, Machang, and beyond.

The journey begins in Tumpat at around 10 PM, with the van making stops along the way and leaving Kelantan around 11 PM to reach Gombak by 4 AM. This ensures that agents and runners are ready to take over the final stretch, as some sellers begin serving customers as early as 6.30 AM. Punctuality is crucial, given the tight schedule.

Although the primary goal is to deliver food on time, Syafrini emphasizes that the business also provides indirect income to food operators in Kelantan, as well as agents and sellers in the Klang Valley and other states. One restaurant operator in Puchong reported that dishes supplied through Syafrini's network have sold strongly, with one morning seeing about 2,000 packets purchased within three hours.

Despite the risks involved, such as an incident in 2017 when a van overturned due to slippery roads, Syafrini remains committed to the service, highlighting its significance in connecting Kelantanese cuisine with a broader audience.