The Rise of Malaysian Ghost Cartoons and Animasia Studio

Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. The Beginning of Something Special

3. Going Global, but Staying Malaysian

4. The Story Beneath the Ground

5. Our Journey So Far

6. Why Malaysian Ghost Cartoon Hits Different

7. Final Thought

8. Frequently Asked Question

Introduction

Do you remember coming home from school, throwing your bag aside, and switching on the TV just in time for Bola Kampung? We all do.

That show wasn’t just entertainment. It was part of our childhood. The laughter, the football games, the kampung setting — it felt like we were watching pieces of our own lives, animated right there on screen.

Bola Kampung made us proud to be Malaysian. It showed that our stories, our accents, and even our everyday jokes could belong in a cartoon. And it didn’t matter who you were — everyone could see a bit of themselves in Iwan and his friends.

Now, all these years later, that same creative heartbeat continues through Kisah Bawah Tanah, a Malaysian ghost cartoon that brings together laughter, imagination, and local folklore in a way only Malaysians can pull off.

It’s a collaboration between Bawah Tanah Sdn. Bhd. and Animasia Studio, and honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment — one that connects our childhood memories to the next chapter of Malaysian animation.

The Beginning of Something Special

The boys of Bola Kampung, a beloved Malaysia animated series, gear up for another fun-filled football match — where friendship, rivalry, and laughter always take center stage.

When Bola Kampung first aired in 2006, it didn’t try to be fancy. It was simple, funny, and full of heart. That’s why people loved it. It was real.

The Malaysian animated series followed a group of kids playing football, but it was about so much more — teamwork, friendship, and the joy of growing up in a kampung.

Then came Bola Kampung: The Movie in 2013, Malaysia’s first 3D animated sports film. It was exciting, but more than that, it showed that local stories could shine on the big screen.

For so many of us, that movie was proof that Malaysia’s creative industry had something special.

Going Global, but Staying Malaysian

In Harry & Bunnie, magic meets mayhem as a magician and his cheeky rabbit constantly outwit each other in this fast-paced Malaysia animated series full of mischief and charm.

After Bola Kampung, Animasia Studio kept pushing boundaries. Harry & Bunnie came in 2015, a funny slapstick comedy that aired on Disney Channel Asia. There were no words, just pure, visual humor — and it made people laugh across Asia.

Chuck Chicken brings zany kung fu action and feathered heroics to life — a hit Malaysia animated series where a golden egg can save the day.

Then, in 2016, came Chuck Chicken, also known as Kungfu Chicken. This one went even further, reaching Netflix, Disney, and audiences in China. It became one of the most recognizable Malaysian animated series in the world.

Watching that success made all of us in Malaysia feel proud.Our cartoons had grown up with us.

The Story Beneath the Ground

And now, with Kisah Bawah Tanah, we’re going somewhere new — and a little deeper.

This time, we’re exploring the mysterious, funny, and slightly eerie side of Malaysian storytelling.The show is a Malaysian ghost cartoon inspired by the kind of tales we grew up with — the ones whispered by older cousins at sleepovers or shared during school camps when the lights went out.

Everyone has one of those stories. A pontianak by the banana tree. A toyol that steals coins. The strange noise from behind your house. Those stories scared us, but they also brought us together.

Kisah Bawah Tanah takes that same feeling — a mix of fear and laughter — and turns it into something beautiful. It’s not just about ghosts. It’s about curiosity, courage, and the way Malaysians always find humor in the unknown.

“We wanted Kisah Bawah Tanah to feel like those nights when you’d laugh so hard telling ghost stories, but still turn on the lights before you sleep.”

That’s the heart of it. A little spooky. A little silly. But always full of warmth.

Our Journey So Far

Year	Animated Cartoon	Genre	Why It Matters
2006	Bola Kampung	Sports / Comedy	The Malaysian animated series that captured the kampung spirit and made local animation a part of our lives.
2013	Bola Kampung: The Movie (3D)	Adventure / Sports	Malaysia’s first 3D animated sports film that proved local stories could reach the big screen.
2015	Harry & Bunnie	Slapstick / Comedy	A Disney Channel favorite that showed how Malaysian humor could connect across borders.
2016	Chuck Chicken (Kungfu Chicken)	Action / Comedy	A global success on Netflix and Disney that introduced Malaysian creativity to the world.
2018–2020	Chuck Chicken Power Up!	Action / Superhero	A continuation that pushed Malaysian animation even further.
2025 (Upcoming)	Kisah Bawah Tanah	Horror / Comedy / Folklore	A heartfelt collaboration between Bawah Tanah Sdn. Bhd. and Animasia Studio, bringing a new kind of Malaysian ghost cartoon to life.

Why Malaysian Ghost Cartoons Hit Different

There’s something about Malaysian ghost stories that makes them special. They scare you, but they also make you laugh. They remind you of your grandparents, your friends, and all those late nights swapping spooky tales when you should’ve been asleep.

A Malaysian ghost cartoon like Kisah Bawah Tanah keeps that feeling alive. It celebrates the part of our culture that’s funny, weird, and wonderfully local. It’s a reminder that even the scariest stories can bring people together.

We didn’t just want to make something entertaining. We wanted to make something that feels like home.

Final Thought

When you look at Bola Kampung and Kisah Bawah Tanah, they might seem like two completely different stories. But deep down, they come from the same place — from that love of community, humor, and imagination that Malaysians are known for.

The undead come alive in Kisah Bawah Tanah — a Malaysian ghost cartoon packed with humor, attitude, and a touch of spooky fun straight from the underground.

Bola Kampung made us laugh under the sun. Kisah Bawah Tanah will make us laugh in the dark.And we’re proud of both.

For us, this isn’t just another project. It’s a continuation of something that started years ago with a football, a few kids, and a dream to tell stories that sound and feel like us.

We hope that when you watch Kisah Bawah Tanah, you’ll feel that same spark. The same warmth. The same joy that Bola Kampung gave us.

Because in the end, that’s what makes Malaysian animation so special. It’s ours. It’s real. And it’s made with love.

And maybe, just maybe, even the ghosts will smile along with us. 👻

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Kisah Bawah Tanah about?

   Kisah Bawah Tanah is a Malaysian ghost cartoon that follows best friends Zack and Sam, who accidentally end up working at the only convenience store in the supernatural realm known as Down Below.

   Every day, they deal with hilarious chaos serving ghosts, spirits, and creatures from Malaysian folklore — from mischievous toyols to dramatic pontianaks. Together, they stumble into wild adventures filled with laughter, courage, and heart.

   At its core, Kisah Bawah Tanah is about friendship, humor, and finding light even in the dark. It’s spooky, funny, and proudly Malaysian.

2. Who created Kisah Bawah Tanah?

   Kisah Bawah Tanah was created by Hendra Wardi and Arzuan Anuar, in collaboration between Bawah Tanah Sdn. Bhd. and Animasia Studio.

   Hendra and Arzuan wanted to bring Malaysia’s unique folklore to life in a way that feels modern and relatable. With Animasia Studio — the creators of Bola Kampung, Harry & Bunnie, and Chuck Chicken — this project combines imagination, humor, and heart to celebrate Malaysian storytelling.

   
   

3. Is Kisah Bawah Tanah scary?

   Not really — it’s more funny than frightening! While it plays with ghostly themes, Kisah Bawah Tanah focuses on humor, adventure, and friendship. It’s designed to be lighthearted and fun, with just the right amount of “boo.”

   
   

4. How is Kisah Bawah Tanah connected to Bola Kampung?

   They share the same creative soul. Bola Kampung celebrated friendship, teamwork, and kampung life, while Kisah Bawah Tanah explores what lies beneath — a world full of folklore, spirits, and comedy. Both shows come from the same storytelling tradition of Animasia Studio, showcasing the heart and humor of Malaysian life.

   
   

5. Why focus on Malaysian ghost stories?

   Because they’re part of who we are! Malaysians have always had a special way of mixing fear with laughter. Our ghost stories are filled with personality, humor, and life lessons. Kisah Bawah Tanah celebrates that by giving these familiar tales a new twist — one that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

   
   

6. Who can watch Kisah Bawah Tanah?

   Kisah Bawah Tanah is rated PG-13, making it ideal for teens and adults who enjoy light supernatural comedy and adventure.

   It’s not too scary, but it does have some spooky fun — so it’s best suited for viewers who can appreciate a good laugh (and maybe a little chill down the spine).

   
   

7. When will Kisah Bawah Tanah be released?

   Production for Kisah Bawah Tanah is officially complete, and we can’t wait for you to see it!

   We’ll be announcing the official streaming platform and release date very soon, so make sure to follow our website and social media pages for the big reveal.

   
   

8. What makes Kisah Bawah Tanah different from other Malaysian cartoons?

   It’s how it blends folklore, friendship, and humor all in one world. While many Malaysian animated series explore daily life or action, Kisah Bawah Tanah dives into the supernatural side of our culture — mixing ghost stories, comedy, and a whole lot of Malaysian charm.

   
   

9. What language is Kisah Bawah Tanah in?

   The show is primarily in Malay, to preserve its authentic Malaysian voice and humor.

   However, an English dubbed version will be released at the same time as the Malay version, so both local and international audiences can enjoy the series together. Whether you prefer the original Malay vibe or the English dub, you’ll experience the same ghostly fun and heartwarming storytelling.

   
   

10. Where can I watch Kisah Bawah Tanah once it’s released?

    We’ll be announcing the streaming platform very soon! Keep an eye on our official website and social media — we’ll share updates, trailers, and sneak peeks leading up to the big premiere.