Kg Katok Residents Walking On Eggshells
By Mohammad Abdullah

Bandar Seri Begawan - In Kampong Katok `A', Tungku, kite flying is more menacing than it is innocent. The surrounding foothills make the spot ideal for flying kites, thus drawing in enthusiasts from neighbouring villages.

While kite-flying is one of the favourite leisure activities among locals, it is when it becomes a competitive sport - "berpulut" or kite battle - is it harmful to the public. A youngster only knows that too well.

He recently required seven stitches after being cut by razor-sharp kite strings hovering in the sky, after kiters nearby decided to let go of their kites.

"This was the second time I have fallen prey to their sport," he added. His father added, "Two of my children, as well as myself, have fallen victims to these sharp strings. My son is unfortunate enough to have been entangled in the string twice. "My daughter was cut on her neck while she was riding a bike. If she had ridden faster, she would have been decapitated."

Residents and properties in the village are often on the receiving end of the vicious game. The strings, which are made from special materials,-allow them to cut through metal objects.

"The antenna on my car was sliced off; the paint scraped. The leather jacket I wear while riding a motorcycle is torn. The visor of the helmet is badly scratched. I can only imagine where I would be if I didn't wear a full-faced helmet," a resident said. According to another resident, "people who battle kites are not from this area. The reason they come here is for the sport because there are plenty of open areas that give them a clear view of their kites".

Countless reports have been made to the police and penghulu of Mukim Tungku. But so far, the authorities opt to turn a blind eye, leaving the villagers to walk on eggshells. "These berpulut enthusiasts should be ordered to move to more remote areas."  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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