Penang Malays: The Founders of Modern Sepak Takraw

IN 2018, as I watched the Sepak Takraw League (STL) final between the Penang Black Panthers and the ATM Guardians (Malaysian Armed Forces), I was also trying to finish Memori di George Town, an anthology of stories about George Town. Coincidentally, I came across a chapter where Mohd Yusoff Latiff, Chairman of PEMENANG (Penang Malay Association), recalled the glory days of Sepak Raga Bulatan being played in George Town’s Malay villages. Kampung Kelawai, Kampung Makam, Kampung Dodol and Jalan Hatin (Hutton Road) were the hubs of this traditional sport. Even the Shaw Brothers, who had established Malay Film Productions, collaborated with PEMENANG to organise competitions, highlighting its cultural significance.