KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time ever, a contingent of chefs clad in a white coat, black pants and their signature tall hat or toque made an appearance at the 2022 National Day parade, along with members of security forces and uniformed bodies.
This may come as a surprise to spectators at Dataran Merdeka as to why more than 40 chefs from the Chefs Association of Malaysia also participated in the event.
Many may not have realised that these unsung heroes are among the groups that played an essential role in providing food at hospitals when wards were filled with COVID-19 patients when the pandemic first hit the country at the beginning of 2020.
As they marched past the Royal Stage, the contingent also caught the attention of the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who stood cheerfully while waving to them.
Recalling the dark moment, the association's president Chef Khairuddin Kamarudin said that without hesitation, they agreed to help prepare food in several hospitals that were in need of their service, as the existing food providers were unable to work due to the epidemic.
"Many were worried and asked, 'Are you not afraid of contracting COVID-19?'. However, we were confident and took it as a challenge and responsibility to help and contribute to the community.
"Furthermore, many chefs in the area were not working as hotels were closed then. We don't want to sit at home and do nothing," he told Bernama.
Khairuddin said ensuring that the food is nutritious and prepared according to the different dietary needs of patients was one of the challenges during that period.
"We were always vigilant and careful in maintaining the standard operating procedures (SOP) to avoid being infected with COVID-19 because we fear our cooking operations would be affected," he said.
He added that the parties responsible for delivering food to patients also have to undergo various strict processes such as being appropriately sanitised before entering the kitchen.
Excited and proud to participate in today's celebration as a team of chefs, Khairuddin described the opportunity as an unexpected good fortune.
"Alhamdulillah, we have been applying to participate in this event for five years, and finally, we were given this great opportunity. Of course, it is a significant recognition for our career," he said.
Khairuddin, who has 28 years of experience in the industry, further said that the career also demanded various sacrifices, including working up to 18 hours a day and having to forgo their time with family.
"So don't ever look down on our job because not everyone is capable of doing it. It requires high mental and physical strength," he said.
He added that the association members often prepared food for victims of natural disasters, such as floods in the country and the earthquake in Palu, Indonesia.
Malaysian chefs have also made the country proud by winning cooking competitions at the international level, such as WorldSkills Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg Culinary World Cup and the ASEAN Skills Competition in Thailand, thus introducing the traditional food products to the world, he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 31 2022
For the first time ever, a contingent of chefs clad in white coats, black pants and their signature tall hats made an appearance at the 2022 National Day parade, along with members of security forces and uniformed bodies. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.