Cashing In On 'Asah-Asahan' Water
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - As people flocked to4he Islamic cemetery sites to pay respect for the departed prior to Hari Raya celebration, small business vendors are taking the opportunity to cash in on the "Asah-asahan" bottled water.

Air Asah-asahan is a mixture of scented wood spice, colourful flowers and water. After reciting the doa, it is customary to pour "Asah-asahan" water, accompanied by chempaka flowers over the graveyard.

About four stalls were set up at the entrance to the Mile Four Islamic Cemetery in Kuala Belait yesterday morning, selling Asah-asahan water at $1 per bottle.

Among the vendors were married couple, Awang Lima bin Jaludin and Zaiton binte Mohamad, who has sold the "Asah-asahan" bottled water for seven years.

During normal days, the couple would just leave more than 20 "Asah-asahan" bottled water inside a box located at the entrance and a coin box for visitors to insert any sum of money based on their generosity.

"Those who are unable to pay, we would consider it as sedekah' or alms. We basically give the bottled water for free at normal days," said Awang Lima.

But as the number of visitors to the cemetery is growing in light of the holy Ramadhan month, the couple supervises the bottled water by erecting a stall. Although it is sold for $1 per bottle, the couple does not wish to profit out of the business. People can pay at their own discretion or capability.

It is a tradition during the Ramadhan month or the first day of Hari RayaAidilfitri to pay respect to their loved ones who have passed away by visiting the cemetery and reading the Surah Yassin and doa. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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