SIBU, May 19: With Gawai Dayak just round the corner, the 30-odd traders at the central market here are enjoying brisk business selling festival related items such as mini ketupat casings.
Ketupat casings are among must-have items for miring ceremonies. One bunch of eight casings is priced at RM1 while those with rice are sold at RM2 per bunch.
Trader Nini Nyawai, 55, said this is usually the time of the year with Gawai Dayak looming that she sees good business.
“My business is getting better these few days. I am also selling ketupat casings as people need them for Gawai. Some who will be doing prayers might not need it but those who are still doing miring ceremonies will have to buy them.
“I have been selling this for almost 30 years already. On normal days, I do have customers who buy ketupat casings but during Gawai time, my sales will be much better,” said Nini.
She shared that over the previous two years, her business was badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as people held more subdued Gawai Dayak celebrations.
Another trader, Frida Awal, 59, used to sell vegetables and fish but switched to selling mini ketupat casings and other Gawai goods. She has not regretted this decision.
“I have been a trader here for 30 years. After switching to sell ketupat casings, I am able to enjoy better income compared to before. This morning I got around RM20 to 30 (from sales),” she said.
Frida believed that this Gawai Dayak will be more festive as visiting is permitted now and those working abroad will also be returning home to celebrate. — DayakDaily
