Write an article about Wau flying remains close to hearts of young people .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from A participant launching his ‘wau kucing’ during the Kelantan International Wau Festival 2025 at Pantai Irama, Bachok. (Bernama pic)
KOTA BHARU: In an era where most youths spend time on online games and gadgets, wau flying still holds a special place in the hearts of some young people in Malaysia.
While increasingly overshadowed by technology, the uniqueness of the wau, or traditional Malaysian kite, and the joy of flying it continue to keep this traditional pastime alive.
Muhaimi Marzuki, a 27-year-old enthusiast from Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan, said he started flying the wau when he was in primary school.
“Back then, my friends and I used only traditional materials to make the kites, using our own skills,” he told Bernama recently at the Kelantan International Wau Festival 2025 held at Pantai Irama in Bachok.
“Despite the availability of online games and high-tech gadgets these days, I’ve never been tempted to abandon the wau.”
According to Muhaimi, no modern game can offer that unique sense of satisfaction one gets upon seeing a self-made wau soaring gracefully in the sky, manually controlled by a fine string.
“Even while playing under the hot sun, the joy of watching a kite you created with your own hands soaring high … it is a feeling that’s hard to put into words,” he said.
The wau comes in various unique shapes and has distinct names such as wau burung, wau pari, wau katak, wau bayan, wau merak and wau kucing.
Muhaimi explained that each type of wau is not only different in shape but also in flight technique and handling.
“Flying the wau gives me an opportunity to become the ‘engineer’ of the kite of my creation and design, unlike modern games that are all controlled by computers and technology,” he added.
Despite the prevalence of online games and digital devices, young people continue to keep this traditional Malay heritage alive. (Bernama pic)
Muhammad Zulfaiz Daud, from Bachok, is also a wau enthusiast and regularly participates in wau competitions held throughout peninsular Malaysia.
“I fell in love with the wau in 2009,” the 35-year-old said. “The first time I held the string of a kite flying high in the air, I was instantly captivated by the excitement of the game.”
He explained that, when taking part in a wau competition, participants are not only judged on how high the kite can fly but also on the beauty of its shape and design, as well as its size and authenticity.
Flying the wau, Zulfaiz added, is more than just a leisure activity: it is an art that demands dedication and good skills.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Razi Muhammad Said from Kuala Lumpur shared that he has been actively involved in wau flying for more than 20 years.
“The wau has a uniqueness that sets it apart from ordinary kites. Its patterns and designs are symbolic of Malaysian elements, which you won’t find in kites from other countries,” he said.
According to Razi, in the past, wau flying was not something everyone indulged in; rather, it was an activity exclusive for nobility, such as members of the royal family.
“This game is one of our ancestral legacies and, hence, is deeply valuable and beyond monetary worth,” he said, describing wau flying as a fine art that must be preserved.
The Kelantan International Wau Festival 2025 took place from May 22-24. The 42nd edition of the annual event drew participants from various countries, including first-time entries from Ukraine, Japan and South Korea.
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