DRIED FISH | MALAYSIA

SHARIFAH ‘VIVI’ HAWA

A fisherfolk from Malaysia battles the recurring haze’s impact on their community’s livelihood. The profound impacts of this environmental problem yield a blurry future and an uncertain catch.

Meet Sharifah Hawa, or “Vivi,” a fisherwoman hailing from Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Malaysia. Vivi’s story unfolds against the recurring haze that engulfs their coastal community.

Haze, a consequence of burning fossil fuels, wildfires, and construction, disrupts not only visibility but also jeopardizes the health and livelihoods of Penang’s fisherfolk. Every year, the ominous haze from Indonesian forest fires shrouds their surroundings, causing blurred visions and respiratory distress.

Vivi recounts moments when the morning fishing routine turns perilous due to the sudden descent of thick, smoky haze, often leading fisherfolk astray. Vivi and her community face the relentless impact of climate change on their way of life.

Object of Memory

Vivi’s object of memory is a dried fish, a reflection of both sustenance and struggle. Beyond fishing, the community relies on producing food like dried fish and squid from their catch. However, when the haze blankets Penang, the absence of direct sunlight impedes the drying process, rendering their efforts futile.

The fish, once a source of sustenance, now mirrors the fragility of their livelihoods. Vivi hopes that the government takes action to address the haze situation, ensuring the resilience of their fishing traditions and the preservation of a way of life deeply connected to the sea.