A long time ago, in a small village on Air Manis beach in Padang, West Sumatra. there is a woman and her son lived, they were Malin Kundang and her mother (Mande Rubayah). 

Malin Kundang had to live hard with his mother.

Malin Kundang was a healthy, diligent, and strong boy. He usually went to sea to catch fish.

One day,When Malin was an adult he asked his mother for permission to go abroad to the city, because at that time there was a large ship docked at Air Manis Beach.

"Don't Malin, I'm afraid something will happen to you in the overseas lands. Just stay here, accompany mom," said her sad mother after hearing Malin's wish to go abroad.

"Mom calm down, nothing will happen to me," said Malin, holding her mother's hand.

Although it was with a heavy heart that Mande Rubayah finally allowed Malin to go and provide him with seven packs of rice wrapped in banana leaves,

"For your provisions on the trip," he said as he handed it to Malin. After that Malin Kundang left for overseas leaving his mother alone.

Day after day passed, every morning and evening Mande Rubayah looked out at the sea.

He always prayed that his son would always be safe and return quickly. Some time later when a ship came docked he always asked how his son was.

“Have you seen my son, Malin? Is he okay? When is he coming home?” he asked.

But every time he asked the crew he never got an answer. Malin never left any goods or messages to his mother.