Toast the peanuts on a dry pan for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Set aside to cool down completely. Put in a food processor and coarsely ground them and put aside
Put gula Melaka and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook until the sugar melts. Strain the mixture
In a dry pan, stir fry ginger for about 2 minutes over medium heat. Add the grated coconut and stir fry for another 5 minutes. Add about 70 gr melted gula Melaka and stir to combine. Then add the sesame seeds, ground peanuts, and salt and stir fry for another 5 minutes. Have a taste and add more melted gula Melaka if needed according to your taste preference
Transfer to a large bowl or plate and let the filling cool down completely
Prepare the dough:
Cut banana leaves into about 20 x 6 cm. Boil them in water for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Wipe dry and set aside
Combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the hot boiling water/pandan juice and pandan essence (for pandan flavor) in and use a spatula to stir to combine to make sure the flour is hydrated. The dough will be sticky at this point. Add 2 tbsp oil and then mix with a spatula again, then switch to your clean hand to knead the dough into a smooth dough
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Keep them covered and work with one at a time. Grab one dough and use your thumb to press into the middle of the dough to form a deep indentation for the filling. Scoop about 1-2 Tbsp of filling into the indentation and wrap the dough around the filling to enclose. Roll into a smooth ball and then flatten slightly with your palm. Repeat with the rest of the dough and filling
Brush the banana leaf with some cooking oil to prevent sticking. Wrap it around the dough and then push the extra leaf down and fold (refer to the photo)
Steaming:
Place the yi bua in the preheated steamer. Steam yi bua over high heat for 8-10 minutes. Wrap the lid with a cloth to prevent water condensation from ruining the top of the kueh
Remove from the steamer and let them cool down completely before serving. Dot with some red food coloring on top if you wish