KUCHING:Having strict diet plans that require him to monitor his calorie intake has inspired national bodybuilder Awang Mohd Azizul Ghani to open a stall here selling healthy burgers including his signature salmon burger which has become the talk of the town.

The 35-year-old athlete said he decided to open the burger stall after finding it quite difficult to get healthy meals at affordable prices.

“In oder to provide customers meals of a healthier choice, the food is prepared based on the eating habits of professional bodybuilders that focus on consuming more protein,” he told Bernama.

Awang Mohd Azizul said one of the most sought-after dishes at his Muscleman Burger stall is salmon burger which its patties are made with 100 per cent Norwegian Salmon.

“Based on my observation, not that many of us can’t afford to eat salmon as the price is quite expensive, therefore I came out with the initiative to sell the burger,” he said.

On the response from customers, Awang Mohd Azizul said he did not expect that his salmon burger which is only sold on Fridays and Saturdays to be so well-received by his customers.

A Bernama check found customers were seen in long queues at the stall in Satok which is open from 4pm until 10pm during the Conditional Movement Control Order period as they did not want to miss the opportunity to try out healthy meals offered there.

Besides the salmon burger, Muscleman Burger also sells Tricep beef burger, Hamstring hot dog and Whey Protein benjo.

Meanwhile, Awang Mohd Azizul described 2020 as a gloomy year for all sportsmen following the postponement and cancellation of many international tournaments due to the spread of COVID-19.

“Following that, many athletes are struggling to maintain a good level of fitness. I also undergo training as usual on my own and can't wait to compete again and to represent the country,” said Awang Mohd Azizul who is also a personal fitness trainer.

Awang Mohd Azizul began to represent Malaysia after being crowned the ‘Champion of Champions’ at the Mr Malaysia Bodybuilding Championships in Labuan in 2015 in the in Men’s Welterweight (75kg-Below) category.

He also became the first-runner up at the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Physique Championships held in Pattaya, Thailand in 2016 and finished third at the Asian Body Building and Physique Sports Championship 2017 in South Korea.

-- BERNAMA