Did You Know Rojak Mak Bee's Founder is The Mother of Malaysia Airlines' CEO?

If you travel to the northern side of the Peninsular, you’ll come across Rojak Mak Bee, a thick, sweet, and spicy sauce with chunks of peanuts. Typically sold with a mix of fruits (hence the name rojak), one jar of Rojak Mak Bee is never enough, and people often buy several to bring back home.

If you’ve ever tasted the famous yet humble Rojak Mak Bee, you might be curious about its founder. Upon research, you’ll discover that the founder is Bibi Abdullah, originally from Baling, Kedah. But, if you dig deeper, you’ll find that she’s the mother of Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s CEO, Captain Izham Ismail!

The founder of Rojak Mak Bee is apparently the mother of the CEO of Malaysia Airlines

Surprisingly, the founder of Rojak Mak Bee, a Chinese convert, is Captain Izham Ismail’s mother. Starting small in Baling, Kedah, she later moved to Alor Setar, making rojak sauce at home and selling it door-to-door. With the money she earned, she raised her children, including the successful Captain Izham Ismail.

Bibi started the Rojak Mak Bee business to help raise all her children

All three generations of the business legacy, from Bibi Abdullah to Shazana Mahazir

The business has been in the market for over 40 years since the 1980s, growing steadily. After Mak Bee passed away, she passed down the business to her legacy, now fully run by Shazana Mahazir, the third generation of the legacy.

rojak mak bee — The brand has expanded into the food and beverage industry by launching Mak Bee Restaurant, specializing in halal Chinese Muslim cuisine.

Shazana, also known as Cikgu Mimi, has played a crucial role in growing the business. The brand currently boasts three factories in Mergong, Kedah, and has opened Mak Bee Restaurant, offering halal Chinese Muslim cuisine as a tribute to her family legacy.

Under Shazana’s leadership, she has introduced a new line of products including cooking vinegar, chilli sauce, and soy sauce

The brand has expanded its product line, introducing cooking vinegar, chilli sauce, and soy sauce. There are rumours that the business is planning to open Mak Bee Cat Hotel & Spa soon in Kedah.