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‘Whispering market’ of Kuala Muda
14 May 2015 — Kuala Muda district in Kedah enjoys a long history and various peculiarities. Its claim to fame was the 2004 tsunami which hit parts of the Kuala Muda shore. Despite the tragic event, some traditions die hard among fishermen and villagers in the shore area. Along the estuary of Sungai Muda is a small market where a unique auction method is practised. Wholesalers and locals buy the fresh catch directly from fishermen via the ‘whisper method’. They whisper the best price to the fishermen and the auction price stays a secret among the buyers. The highest bidder lands the catch of the day.
The Pasar Bisik Ikan in Kuala Muda, Kedah, sits on the Sungai Muda estuary. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Fishermen sorting their catch on boats before taking it to the market. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Fishermen sorting out their catch on the boat. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A group of fishermen carrying their catch to the ‘whispering market’. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Fresh fish and other catch are placed on the floor before the auction begins. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A fish trader whispering his offer to a fisherman. The method allows for haggling among fish traders and fisherman. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Whispering going on as others look around Pasar Bisik Ikan in Kuala Muda, Kedah. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Buyers gathering around the fish for sale at Pasar Bisik Ikan. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Men whispering to each other is a common sight at the market. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
Customers gathering around fresh shrimps for sale whisper their offer to a vendor. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A wholesaler wrapping the fresh shrimps after winning the bid against other wholesalers through the whispering method. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A wholesaler weighing a bag of fresh crabs before storing them in a container. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A local with a basket full of fresh fish bought directly from a fisherman. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
A group of fishermen relaxing on their boat after auctioning their catch. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Mukhriz Hazim, May 14, 2015.
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