Terachi: Rows of smoked duck stalls along the Seremban-Kuala Pilah Road near Terachi here are drawing brisk crowds, with billowing smoke catching the attention of motorists heading back to their hometowns for Aidilfitri. The delicacy, known for its firm texture and rich flavour, continues to enjoy strong demand, attracting customers from within and outside Negeri Sembilan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Laman Salai stall operator in Kampung Ibol, Terachi, Nur Fatirah Mohd Normalah, 24, said smoked duck remains among the most sought-after items, especially during the festive period. "In the lead-up to Aidilfitri, we have been operating for nearly two weeks without a break due to high demand, particularly for smoked duck, beef and catfish."

She added that they also deliver to other states, with customers from Kedah, Johor, Selangor and as far as Sarawak. "Smoked duck can last up to five months if stored in a freezer," she told Bernama.

Nur Fatirah highlighted that the use of coconut shells in the smoking process gives the duck its distinctive aroma, with most customers preferring the original version without added seasoning of salt or turmeric. She mentioned that the smoked duck is best served as masak lemak cili api or prepared as rendang with maman leaf or puding leaf.

Helping to run her family's business of over 20 years, Nur Fatirah utilizes TikTok to promote her products and plans to expand sales through the platform. "Currently, I take orders via WhatsApp and use frozen delivery, with orders usually arriving within 24 hours, although deliveries to Sarawak take slightly longer as they are sent by air," she said.

She noted that their customers in Sarawak are regulars and typically order up to six ducks at a time. A two-kilogramme smoked duck is priced at RM50. With about a week to go before the festival, she has received orders for more than 100 smoked ducks, along with other products such as smoked beef, catfish, free-range chicken, spent hens and quail.