The Pangkor Island’s fisherfolks wouldn’t go night fishing at the sea during the full moon. This is because the bright light that’s reflecting on the water surface would obscure the fish in the water. It’s better to go fish hunting under the shadows.
I guess you could say that the full moon is made for rest and romance. It’s the opportunity to enjoy the warm nights with friends and family.
The locals from the surrounding islands and the mainland are simple and hard-working. They aren’t as sophisticated as the city folks, but they possess the humility and friendliness that you often see in small towns.
Despite being knee-deep in important history, the folks here don’t really go around beating their chests about it. Over the centuries, they have seen how the political elites keep capitalising on the island’s brave past to stoke up nationalistic sentiments.
It’s all shadow play.
I visited the local lantern’s fair in Sitiawan, a nearby mainland town, during the autumn festival. It was a sweet and humble affair, but a cheerful enough occasion for the local residents to enjoy with their families. Unlike in the big cities, entertainment activities are pretty scarce.
The fair was put together by the local traders. They lit up the dark playing field with amusements, games, battery-lit flowers and a large paper moon. Everyone was drawn to the beautiful man-made moon, taking turns for selfie opportunities.
A few weeks later a story exploded nation-wide about the ashes of a former communist guerrilla, a son of Sitiawan, that was being interred secretly into the sea. The netizens and the elites exploded into a fake rage.
I say fake, because the swirling national headlines spewed by the capital city newspapers never materialised into any form of economic support for the seaside folks.
After a couple of months, the story died down and forgotten like the plastic rubbish that the tourists left behind on the island.
What the townies don’t realise is that the local folks work together, quietly. When they come out from shadows, you’ll know them for who they really are.
After The Rain 