In a country where it feels as though every school and hospital has claimed some link to the supernatural, the Hungry Ghost Festival, at first glance, appears to be embedded in the fabric of Malaysian superstition.

Held between July 29 and Aug 26 this year, the month-long Hungry Ghost Festival - also known as the Zhongyuan Festival - is a cultural festival observed by many Malaysian Chinese.

But as much as it is often talked about, are the wandering ghosts truly the main thread that holds the festival together?

Academic Jason Ng Sze Chieh begged to differ on the matter...