The Hakkas are a dialect of people from South China. Many migrants work at the tin mines in the area. It is alleged that the British colonialists called the town “Mine Tin”. Locals soon corrupt the name into Mantin, as it is known today.
The village under siege is well covered by my long time friend, the artist and activist Victor Chin. A Hakka himself, Victor has covered much ground in bringing awareness to the plight of the 120 year old village in his campaigns.
It is a story of a village caught by development and greedy, grasping developers. Underneath, is a forgotten story about history, heritage and court battles to stop bulldozers. Since Victor has covered much ground, I will not repeat his good work. Do a search and the stories are on the web.
I am attracted to the urbex and derelict aspect from a photography viewpoint. Many of the residents in houses already sold or surrendered, have moved out and the wooden properties are left in ruins pending final demolition. It was almost surreal and heartbreaking to see skeletal remains of houses seemingly abandoned in a hurry. Yet one can sense that some clinging humans still lurk inside. Tragic but glad I stumbled upon it before all is lost.
Asus Zenfone 3, ISO 50, f2 , 1/500 sec.
Where is Kampung Hakka Mantin? Map and directions at MyCen Maps: http://www.mycen.my/kampung-hakka-mantin/
#streetphototography #mantin #village #hakka #urbex #abandoned #dilapidated #documentary #kampunghakka #history #asus
