A long time ago, in a small village near the beach in West
Sumatra, a woman and her son lived. They were Malin Kundang and her
mother. Her mother was a single parent because Malin Kundang's father had
passed away when he was a baby. Malin Kundang had to live hard with his mother.
Malin Kundang was a healthy,
dilligent, and strong boy. He usually went to sea to catch fish. After getting
fish he would bring it to his mother, or sold the caught fish in the town.
One day, when Malin Kundang
was sailing, he saw a merchant's ship which was being raided by a small band of
pirates. He helped the merchant. With his brave and power, Malin Kundang
defeated the pirates. The merchant was so happy and thanked to him. In return
the merchant asked Malin Kundang to sail with him. To get a better life, Malin
Kundang agreed. He left his mother alone.