A jetty beside a mussel farm and fishing community became an open-air cinema as some 130 residents gathered at Laman Kupang, Sungai Balang Laut in Muar, Johor, for a community “Wayang Pacak” series with Bukit Kepong projected onto a large screen.
The turnout exceeded organisers’ expectations of 50 people.
Families gathered over food and conversation to watch the Malaysian historical film of the 1950 Bukit Kepong tragedy.
For some, the evening brought back memories of a different era, when families would sit outdoors to watch films together.
For younger residents, it offered a different way to experience Malaysian history surrounded by nature, family and the wider community.
The choice of film was also a community decision.
YouthLabs Social Hub founder Kamariah Shakirin Mustafa, the granddaughter of Malaysia’s former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, had discussed the idea with residents, and together they chose Bukit Kepong – a fitting film for Malaysia Day.
For Kamariah, the evening was an opportunity to make history more accessible to younger generations.
“We learn about history in school, but I wanted the children to experience it in a different way – with their families and neighbours and seeing these stories come alive,” she said in a press release.
“Malaysia Day is a time for us to remember where we came from and the people who came before us.”
The programme, initiated by Kamariah and Sungai Gersik village head Tok Syahroni Dulah Hussein, brought together the Mukim Sungai Balang chief, Muar Information Office, Village Development and Security Committee Sungai Gersik, YouthLabs Social Hub, Persatuan Nelayan Sungai Balang Laut, social innovation hub Ruang Daya Cipta (RDC) Muar and the local community.
Muar Information Office sponsored the film and provided the projector, screen and speakers for the screening.
Residents barbecued fish, mussels and chicken, shared homemade dishes and sat by the water for the movie and a lucky draw under the stars.
The idea for “Wayang Pacak” came from a simple observation: Muar currently does not have a cinema.
“So I thought why not bring the cinema to the community?” said Kamariah.
The idea also grew out of her own journey back to Muar to rediscover her family’s roots and heritage.
“Muar has so many spaces that already belong to the community.
“We do not always need to build something new.
“Sometimes we just need to look at what we have and bring people together around it.”
The screening marks the first “Wayang Pacak” under Kamariah’s “Muo for Muar” series, with future screenings planned across different communities and spaces in the district.
“Muo for Muar” is a platform Kamariah developed through her storytelling and social media content to highlight Muar’s people, heritage, stories and potential.
Each programme will be developed together with the local community and, where possible, use spaces and stories unique to that particular area.
The “Wayang Pacak” series forms part of YouthLabs Social Hub’s work in youth empowerment, civic engagement and community initiatives.
