CAMPAIGN TO BRING BACK TRADITIONAL GAMES

Did you know that 28 traditional games have been recognised as part of the country's cultural heritage? 

    Data from the Department of National Heritage indicates that the following traditional games are listed: wau, congkak, galah panjang, laga ayam, ketinting, tarik upih, sepak raga, and cari cucu.Traditional games have become a common way for people in our culture to pass the time during the past few years. However, it appears that the traditional games are disappearing from the childhood memories of our younger generation due to the rapid advancement of technology. Nowadays, children are more devoted to their cellphones and video games. Admittedly, the revival and preservation of traditional games is important for the continuity of our culture. Therefore, there are a few ways to express the idea that traditional games can be revived across this beautiful country.

    Educational institutions play vital roles in bringing back traditional games. Schools or universities can include traditional games into curriculum especially in physical classes. Importantly, educators must equip themselves with a good knowledge about traditional games to make the learning process interesting. Apart from this, traditional games should also be competed in annual sporting events just like other popular sports. Hence, workshops and clubs can be established to allow students to join and practice their traditional games after school session. As a result, participation in traditional games among younger generations will continue to increase if it is implemented in educational institutions.

Community involvement is one of the great importance factors to revive traditional games. Cultural events or festivals that consist of a competition can be organized by local communities to attract people ranging from all ages to come and participate. Hence, interaction between older generations and younger ones will be seen through these games. This will allow the older to share their experiences so that the younger can learn and practice correct way to play any traditional games in interest. In short, a critical role must be played by the community to create a platform to allow intergenerational interaction to revive traditional games.

    Digital platforms are a great influence to promote traditional games. Social networks such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram are globally used nowadays by many people of all ages whether to seek entertainment or information. Therefore, these platforms can be utilized to share fun facts, historical information and even a tutorial video about traditional games. The best way to attract an audience is by using eye-catching visuals and creative way of storytelling. Additionally, starting a challenge by encouraging others to share their social media content about traditional games with interesting hashtags will captivate a wider audience. Positively, there is a great chance to generate interest toward traditional games by using digital platform since it is used by many people worldwide.

Larger scale of traditional games revival requires government support. Budget allocation for the preservation and promotion should be considered by the government. As a result, it will allow for more programs and activities regarding traditional games to be organized. For instance, national level competitions can be organized through this budget allocation and surely will attract more participants across the country. Furthermore, government involvement with any cultural organizations and heritage experts to establish strategies to maintain and preserve traditional games will give a huge impact on the revival process.

    Subsequently, it is undeniable that our country is heading towards a developed country and at the same time this traditional game still needs to be maintained. These traditional games play a crucial role in a nation's cultural legacy. Our country's identity will be reflected in this cultural legacy and with this identification, foreign nations will recognize us. For young people to understand and value this gift, traditional games must be taught to them. In order to avoid being swept away by the wave of modernization, this tradition must be maintained as much as possible.

    On top of that, traditional games should be preserved because they are not only enjoyable pastimes but also impart moral lessons to kids. Character education characteristics like leadership, diligence, self-control, sportsmanship, and accountability will rise as a result. To put it another way, these traditional games will help kids grow socially, mentally, and physically.

    Similarly, traditional games have the potential to propel our nation's tourism sector. It is possible to leverage this traditional game activity as a tourist attraction. According to T.N. Alagesh (21 November 2021). PM: Promotion of traditional games and ‘sukan rakyat’ must not be forgotten. New Straits Times. Traditional games and “sukan rakyat” (people sports) have the potential to emerge as tourist attractions in certain locations and should be preserved as a cultural village, said ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. The presence of tourists from both domestic and foreign countries will indirectly boost the local economy.

    In a word, this classic game is a tradition and a valuable treasure that must be safeguarded and maintained. The government, society, and people must all put in effort and work together. Promoting traditional games involves everyone, it must begin with our families and extend to our communities and beyond. In addition, compared to the current modern games, this traditional game has many benefits for the nation, society, and individuals.

What do you think? Do kids in your area or setting play traditional games? If not, why not? Do you believe that children are being left behind as a result? As much as possible, this tradition thought to be preserved.

Reference

1. https://heritage.gov.my/my/pengenalan-cawangan-adat-budaya/permainan-tradisi.html

2.https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/956071/traditional-games-should-be-part-school-curriculum-advocates

3.https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/introduce-traditional-games-in-schools-govt-urged-NC13004933

4.https://sgs.upm.edu.my/article/malaysian_traditional_games-73736

1. NURUL SYAFIQAH BINTI HUSNI -23200980

2. RAYVIN JOSMAN - JP1112821

3. MUHAMAD AIMAN FIRDAUS BIN CHE HAMID -22200497

4. NUR SHARIF BIN JURI - 22200661

5. MUHAMMAD AIDEED BIN AHMAD- 22307323