Spaoh

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Spaoh Bazaar
Spaoh Bazaar

Spaoh is a small town and district in the Betong Division in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, formerly known as Saribas District.

Geographically (not administratively), Spaoh is divided into areas such as Ili Pasar Spaoh (Spaoh downriver), Bungin, Paku Ili (Brutan), Ulu Paku and Ulu Anyut.

The main economical activity in Spaoh is farming. Most of the farmers here plant paddy or pepper and some do rubber-tapping.

The total population of Spaoh is around 17,000: Ibans (5,950), Malay (Orang Laut) (11,050) and Chinese (850). Although Ibans are only the second-largest group in Spaoh, most people in Spaoh interact in the Iban dialect which is understood by both Chinese and Malays. English and Malay are widely spoken too.

The main attractions of this district include the Bukit Saban resort & the production of the salted pufferfish known as Ikan Masin Buntal, which is a local delicacy, in the Malay villages around Spaoh. The pufferfish, known to locals as bunta], is also the mascot of Spaoh.