Chapter 4

Traditional Games of Malaysian Communities

Spinning tops, giant kites and clever board games — the fun games our grandparents grew up playing.

Games that join us together

Long before video games, Malaysian children played traditional games outdoors. They cost little money, use simple things, and are still enjoyed at festivals today.

Games to know

  • Congkak — a board game with rows of holes and small seeds or marbles.
  • Gasing — a spinning top that can spin for a long time.
  • Wau — a large decorated kite; the wau bulan is shaped like a crescent moon.
  • Batu Seremban — a game played by tossing and catching small stones (also called five stones).
  • Sepak takraw — a fast game using a ball woven from rattan.

Key idea

Traditional games are cheap and simple. They teach skill, teamwork and patience, and are shared by all races in Malaysia.

Remember

  • Gasing = spinning top; Wau = kite; Congkak = board game.
  • Sepak takraw uses a rattan ball.
  • These games help preserve our heritage and bring friends together.

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