A Longstanding Affordable Chicken Rice Stall Serves Kajang Community
KAJANG, Selangor – For 37 years, a chicken rice stall in the morning wet market near Cheras 11th mile has been drawing consistent local patronage by selling packets at RM4 each, a price that has remained unchanged for several years despite rising inflation. The stall, operated by Tan Leong Soon, a man in his 60s, runs from a tricycle without a formal stall name. This simple setup has become a well-known fixture among villagers and traders in the Kajang area.
The Routine of a Skilled Hawker and His Customers in Kajang
Operating daily except Mondays or when attending to important matters, Tan has maintained his business with a focus on affordability and community ties. Starting in the 1980s when a packet cost only 60 sen, he has adjusted the price modestly to RM4 to accommodate rising food costs while still trying to keep the meal within reach of the local community. Besides chicken rice, his char siew rice is also priced at RM4 per packet, and the drumstick chicken rice, with better quality meat, is only RM4.40. Tan personally selects, chops, and packages each order quickly, often completing a customer’s request in under 15 seconds, allowing even rush-hour customers to receive their meals swiftly.
Operational Practices and Community Relations Maintained Over Decades
Tan’s stall operates on a cash-only basis without e-wallet or QR code options, a practice long accepted by his regular customers who prepare exact change beforehand to expedite transactions. The long-standing relationship between Tan and his customers often resembles that of acquaintances rather than mere buyer and seller; he knows their specific preferences and can prepare orders accordingly without needing reminders. Communication is multilingual, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, and Malay. Even during poor weather conditions, the stall sees a steady stream of customers, many of whom form queues on regular workdays and school days.
The Stall’s Role in Sustaining Local Food Culture Highlighted by Patrons
Longtime patrons highlight the stall’s significance in providing affordable meals that reflect familiar tastes. Madam Tong, a local resident, mentioned that the chicken rice has become part of the community’s shared food memory, with many families purchasing multiple packets for breakfast routinely. Mr Pan, another regular, has been supporting the stall since its early days and notes that RM4 chicken rice is increasingly difficult to find. Mr Lee remarked on the economic benefit the pricing has offered villagers, acknowledging that any future price increases due to inflation would remain reasonable given the extended period of steady pricing. These testimonials underline the stall’s embeddedness in the Kajang and wider Selangor food scene while maintaining its budget-friendly access.
Economic and Social Implications of Small-Scale Food Vendors in Malaysian Communities
Tan’s decision to continue operating from a tricycle rather than establishing a permanent shop or coffee house stall is influenced by his multiple personal roles and desire for flexible working hours. This autonomy allows him to temporarily close the business when necessary, a flexibility that would be compromised by rental agreements in fixed premises. From an economic perspective, small-scale hawkers such as Tan contribute to local food accessibility, particularly in suburban areas of Selangor such as Kajang and nearby Seri Kembangan, where community ties remain strong.
Moreover, keeping prices stable despite inflation reflects an underlying social contract between vendor and patrons, which plays a part in sustaining local trade and food traditions. In the context of Malaysia’s broader economic environment, including periodic rises in food costs and fluctuating market conditions, such stalls provide important ground-level insight into community resilience and economic adaptation.
Location: Kajang
Date: 2025-12-16