Oh wau!: Palas leaf kite-making is a forgotten Malaysian tradition

Traditional kite-maker Pak Non says wau kites made from palas leaves are more durable and don't damage as easily as paper ones. Photo: Bernama

The 73-year-old Samat Man, better known as Pak Non, is probably one of the few living experts of traditional kite or wau-making in the country – especially the ones made of palas leaves.

While working on making a "wau helang" (eagle kite) from palas leaves in his home workshop in Kampung Tok Kaya, Perlis, Pak Non takes breaks to play on his violin while singing Itik Pulang Petang.