Ghost stories Malaysians grew up hearing

THE supernatural has long been a part of Malaysian folklore, with ghost stories passed down through generations.

Known locally as ‘hantu,’ these spirits have become deeply embedded in cultural beliefs, influencing superstitions, traditional practices and even daily routines.

While sceptics dismiss them as myths, many Malaysians continue to hold onto their existence, often recounting chilling experiences of eerie encounters.

Ghost stories are not unique to Malaysia; every culture has its own version of these supernatural entities.

In the United States, figures like Annabelle, Slender Man and the Bell Witch have terrified generations, while in Japan, spirits like Sadako and Kuchisake-onna have haunted the public imagination.

However, Malaysia has its own terrifying lineup of ghosts, each with a unique backstory that reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

From bloodthirsty vengeful spirits to shape-shifting entities that lurk in the shadows, these ghostly figures continue to be the subject of horror tales, television dramas and even real-life encounters.

Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known ghosts that have haunted Malaysian folklore.

PONTIANAK

The Pontianak is one of the most feared supernatural beings in Malaysian folklore, often described as a vengeful female spirit that preys on unsuspecting victims, especially men.

Said to be the restless soul of a woman who died during childbirth, the Pontianak is typically depicted as a beautiful woman with long black hair and a flowing white dress.

The origin of the Pontianak legend is deeply tied to Southeast Asian traditions, with similar stories found in Indonesian and Singaporean folklore.

The name itself is believed to be derived from "Pontianak," the capital of West Kalimantan in Indonesia, where the spirit was once feared to roam.

Many believe that nailing a sharp object, such as a nail or needle, into her neck or head can subdue her and transform her into a regular woman.

Despite being a legend, reports of Pontianak sightings in quiet villages and deserted roads continue to surface, keeping the fear of this ghost alive.

TOYOL

A Toyol is a mischievous and malevolent spirit that resembles a small, bald child with greenish skin and sharp teeth.

Unlike most ghosts that exist to haunt or take revenge, the Toyol is believed to be used by its owner for personal gain, particularly to steal money or valuables.

Often kept inside a jar or bottle, the creature is said to be bound to its master, who must feed it with offerings of blood or milk.

The concept of the Toyol dates back to ancient Malay and Javanese folklore, where shamans or bomohs (traditional healers) were said to possess the ability to summon and control these spirits.

Some believe that Toyols are the spirits of unborn children, trapped between the realms of the living and the dead.

The eerie tales surrounding Toyols often serve as a cautionary tale against greed, as those who use them for wealth will inevitably suffer misfortune in return.

ORANG MINYAK

The Orang Minyak, or "Oily Man," is a ghostly figure that has terrified Malaysians for decades.

Unlike most supernatural beings, the Orang Minyak is not entirely a spirit but is believed to be a human who has made a pact with dark forces for supernatural powers.

Described as a man covered in black slippery oil, he is said to sneak into homes at night to abduct women.

Some versions of the tale claim that he must assault a specific number of victims to maintain his powers.

This legend gained notoriety in the 1950s when reports of an "Oily Man" terrorising villages surfaced in the media.

Some believe the legend originated as a way to explain real-life crimes, while others insist the Orang Minyak is a supernatural entity that still lurks in the shadows.

Whether fact or fiction, the fear of the Orang Minyak remains deeply rooted in Malaysian folklore.

LANGSUIR

A Langsuir is often considered a more terrifying counterpart to the Pontianak.

Like the Pontianak, the Langsuir is believed to be the spirit of a woman who died during childbirth, but with even greater malevolence.

Instead of seducing men, the Langsuir is said to float silently in the air, attacking anyone who crosses its path.

It is often described as having long nails, blood-red eyes, and a gaping mouth filled with sharp teeth.

The origins of the Langsuir legend date back to Malay folklore, where it was believed that a grieving mother’s soul, unable to find peace, could transform into this vengeful spirit.

Some say that the Langsuir can be prevented from becoming a spirit by stuffing her mouth with glass beads or cutting off her nails and hair immediately after death.

PENANGGAL

The Penanggal is one of the most horrifying supernatural beings in Malaysian and Southeast Asian folklore.

Unlike traditional ghosts, the Penanggal is said to be the disembodied head of a woman that detaches from her body and flies around at night, with her internal organs dangling beneath her.

She is often associated with black magic and is believed to suck the blood of pregnant women and newborns.

The legend of the Penanggal dates back to centuries-old Malay and Thai folklore.

Some believe she was once a human woman who practised dark magic and, as a result, was cursed to become this terrifying creature.

To protect themselves, villagers would hang thorny branches or garlic around their homes, as the Penanggal is said to fear sharp objects.

POCONG

A Pocong is a ghost that is believed to be the restless soul of the dead, still wrapped in its burial shroud.

According to Malay and Indonesian traditions, if a person's burial cloth is not untied after 40 days, their spirit may not be able to move on, causing them to rise from the grave.

The Pocong is often described as hopping due to the burial cloth tying its legs together.

The Pocong legend serves as a cautionary tale about proper burial rites in Islamic tradition.

Some believe that encountering a Pocong means unfinished business or that the deceased needs prayers from their loved ones.

Although often depicted in horror films, the Pocong is still feared in rural areas where ghostly sightings are commonly reported.

BUNIAN

The Bunian are mysterious supernatural beings often described as an unseen race of humanoid spirits that exist in a parallel realm, hidden from human sight.

Unlike most ghosts in Malaysian folklore, Bunian are not necessarily malevolent.

Instead, they are often depicted as beautiful, ethereal beings who live in well-organised societies deep in the forests or high in the mountains.

According to legend, Bunian communities resemble human villages, complete with homes, families and even rulers.

Some believe they possess advanced knowledge and can influence human fate, often appearing in dreams or visions to deliver messages.

Stories of humans encountering Bunian have been widely told, with some claiming to have been taken into their world and later returning, often with missing time or unexplained memories.

There are also tales of people who mysteriously vanish without a trace, believed to have been ‘married’ into the Bunian realm.

HANTU RAYA

Unlike other ghosts that haunt specific places or individuals, the Hantu Raya is known as a powerful spirit that serves as a supernatural servant to its master.

According to traditional beliefs, this entity is often bound by a pact with a human, granting the master immense strength, wealth and even the ability to shapeshift.

However, this dark alliance comes at a cost—when the master dies, the Hantu Raya must be passed on to a new owner, or it will torment the deceased’s family.

The origins of the Hantu Raya are deeply rooted in Malay shamanistic practices, where individuals sought spiritual assistance for power and protection.

Some believe the spirit is an ancestral ghost, while others claim it is a djinn bound by dark magic.

Many eerie encounters involve villagers witnessing someone they know appearing in two places at once, only to realise later that one of them was the Hantu Raya in disguise.

If left without a master, the spirit can become vengeful, causing disturbances or even possessing individuals.

Due to its ominous nature, traditional cleansing rituals are often performed to sever any lingering ties with a Hantu Raya after its master’s passing.

HANTU AIR

The Hantu Air, or "water ghost," is a spectral entity believed to reside in lakes, rivers and even the sea.

This spirit is feared for its tendency to lure unsuspecting victims into the water, leading to mysterious drownings.

In some accounts, the Hantu Air is described as a shadowy figure with glowing eyes that lurks beneath the surface, waiting to drag its victims underwater.

Other versions depict it as a shape-shifting entity, taking on the form of a beautiful woman or a familiar person to deceive those who wander too close.

The belief in water spirits is widespread across Southeast Asia, with similar tales found in Indonesian and Thai folklore.

Some historians suggest that the legend of the Hantu Air originated as a way to warn children and fishermen of the dangers of deep or turbulent waters.

In Malaysia, many drowning incidents have been attributed to the presence of this malevolent spirit, especially in areas with strong undercurrents or murky depths.

Traditional rituals, such as making offerings or reciting prayers, are sometimes performed before venturing into certain bodies of water to appease the spirit and ensure safety.

From terrifying spirits that seek vengeance to mischievous entities used in black magic, Malaysian ghost folklore is rich with eerie tales that continue to be told across generations.

These stories not only serve as sources of fear but also as cautionary tales deeply tied to cultural beliefs.

Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the stories of Pontianak, Toyol, and Penanggal will continue to haunt the imaginations of Malaysians for years to come.