Seasonal fruits like salak (snake fruit). — Photos: Bernama
EACH fruit season, Pekan Lachau in Sri Aman, around 140km from Kuching, Sarawak, comes alive.
The small town on the Pan-Borneo Highway beckons passing motorists to stop and take a break, much like a rest and relaxation (R&R) area on Peninsular Malaysia’s expressways.
The sidewalks showcase fresh local produce such as langsat, rambutan and forest vegetables.
There is also the glossy black dabai, also known as Borneo olive, which is prized in Sarawak.
Adding to the experience is the unmistakable aroma of durian, mingling with the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves, creating an atmosphere that lingers in memory.
For small traders, the fruit season is more than just a business opportunity – it is a time to reap the rewards of months of hard work and patience.
Most of the fruits are sourced directly from orchards of Sri Aman, with some harvested as early as dawn, and transported by motorcycle or four-wheel-drive vehicles before being displayed vibrantly at the stalls and town’s tourist market.
Kelvin Jugol, 68, is among regular visitors who never misses the opportunity to stop by during the fruit season.
He said Pekan Lachau offered produce at reasonable prices.
Offerings at Pekan Lachau include dried.
“The fruit here is different. We know it comes straight from the orchard and hasn’t been stored for long.
“When it’s dabai or rambutan season, it’s hard to resist coming here,” he said while selecting fruit to take home for family and neighbours.
Easter Sering, who was with her children, loves the lively atmosphere.
“Children can see for themselves where their food comes from.
“They learn to appreciate the hard work of farmers and small traders,” the 52-year-old teacher said.
Easter said the fruit season in Pekan Lachau was not merely about buying and selling, but also served as a living classroom for the younger generation to become familiar with forest produce from an early age.
Pan-Borneo Highway user Jurina Johari, 56, said it was nice to stop during a long journey.
“The feeling of fatigue immediately disappears when you see fresh fruits neatly arranged.
“We stop not only to rest, but also to bring home a taste of village life.”
Salted fish and snacks.
A recent Bernama visit found that local fruits such as dabai, durian, rambutan, langsat and engkala (Borneo avocado) were sold for RM3 to RM20 per kg.
In addition to fruit, visitors can also find a variety of forest vegetables, freshwater fish like tilapia from Batang Ai, and smoked and pickled fish which are rare in urban areas and offered at affordable prices.
However, amid the excitement of the fruit season, small traders and visitors alike hope that public facilities such as toilets, parking areas and directional signage will continue to be upgraded to ensure greater comfort, particularly during peak periods and busy weekends.
With increased traffic following the completion of the Pan-Borneo Highway, Pekan Lachau is no longer merely a brief stopover for road users.
During the fruit season, the town transforms into a meeting point for farmers, traders and travellers, where produce changes hands, stories are exchanged and journeys continue with vehicles carrying not only baskets of fruit but also lasting memories.
