Sibu: Demand for spent hens, a key ingredient in preparing manuk pansoh, has surged at Sibu Central Market, with sales reaching hundreds of birds daily ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration, which will begin on Monday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, spent hens are the main ingredient used to prepare manuk pansoh, a traditional Dayak dish where marinated chicken is placed in bamboo and cooked over an open fire. A survey at the market revealed stalls selling spent hens wrapped in newspapers drawing large numbers of Dayak shoppers making last-minute preparations for Gawai Dayak, celebrated on June 1.

Karen Mina, a trader with over 20 years of experience at the market, noted that sales of spent hens typically peak during the final two days before Gawai, with demand reaching about 300 birds a day. "I am here early every morning to wrap and arrange the chickens for sale. Customers come not only from around Sibu, but also from Sibu Jaya and Kanowit," she told BERNAMA.

Karen mentioned that the spent hens are sourced from layer farms in Sibu and sold at prices ranging from RM16 to RM25 each, depending on size. Meanwhile, another trader, Angelina Mau, reported selling about 100 spent hens daily over the past few days, with expectations of sales rising to as many as 200 birds daily just before the celebration. Angelina added that their stall operates from 8 am to 5 pm, with prices for the wrapped spent hens ranging between RM20 and RM25 each, depending on size.

Besides purchasing spent hens to prepare manuk pansoh, shoppers were also buying various raw ingredients, vegetables, fruits, freshwater produce such as prawns, and other necessities for the celebration. Sibu Central Market, the largest covered wet market in the country, houses more than 1,100 stalls and serves as a one-stop center for residents to obtain daily necessities and festive supplies.