Traditional Games Must Feature In All Programmes, Says JKKN

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Traditional games should be made a mandatory element in programmes and not confined to special festivals, said National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.

He said the games are heritage attractions that can be promoted by government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“Traditional games can be innovated to encourage public participation. Efforts to strengthen them must be carried out continuously and prioritised in every programme,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysia Games Festival@Putrajaya 2025 here today.

Also present was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who received a plaque of appreciation as a co-organiser of the event.

Held in Kuala Lumpur for the past nine years, the festival is being staged in Putrajaya for the first time with the support of Putrajaya Corporation (PPj).

This year’s edition features galah panjang, batu seremban, tug of war, blowpipe and traditional archery, among 25 games listed under the National Heritage Register.

“Competitions are open to public universities, uniformed bodies and the corporate sector,” said Mohd Amran.

He added that the three-day festival targets 100,000 visitors, compared with nearly 150,000 recorded over four days last year.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) member Mohd Irwan Mohd Isa, 43, said he and nine teammates joined the kelereng game, which involves rolling a bicycle rim with a stick.

“We want to revive these old games for the younger generation. It looks simple but needs focus and skill to keep the bicycle rim upright while pushing it,” he said.

For Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency officer Rezzal Muhammad Hazmi, 38, who is competing in traditional archery for the fourth time, the event is both nostalgic and competitive.

“I’ve never won before, but this year I’m aiming for the title. Beyond that, it strengthens bonds among participants while bringing back childhood memories,” he said.

-- BERNAMA