Sometimes the Pekal have erroneously been referred to as the Ketahun, since several groups of Pekal have expanded south to the more accessible Ketahun district. Traversing Pekal territory, the highway passes directly through the heart of Ipuh, the largest town in the Southern Muko-Muko district. The majority of the Pekal work as farmers or plantation workers during the wet season and as fishermen during the dry season. In their work, they use traditional, homemade devices and tools. Major products include coffee, rice, chocolate, tobacco, sweet potatoes, spices, peanuts, and various vegetables.
Many people sell their products in the markets.
Outside salesmen bring their wares only on specified days each week. Many Pekal men are hired as government employees, teachers, builders, military personnel, skilled and common laborers, basket weavers, brick makers, cattlemen, and merchants. Pekal women work in the rice fields and dry the fish and shrimp. Pekal houses are built on stilts in the traditional Malay fashion. For protection and mutual support, villages are organized into several kaums , or sub-groups.