THE All Malaysia Traditional Games Heritage Association is one of the few organisations that is working together with the various ministries to keep traditional games alive.
As part of its continuous efforts, the association has played host to some of the biggest events in Selangor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur since 2001.
The association’s adviser, Sulaiman Sarijan, said the games were not forgotten by the people but merely overlooked.
He said people were still keen to learn about the games as they were still being played at social events.
“Perhaps with their busy schedules and emphasis on education, children are not as keen on playing theses games.
Ancient tradition: Sepak Raga is said to go back hundreds of years. “There is also the lack of interaction among neighbours and the many choices of games available now are also contribute to the unpopularity of the traditional games,” he said.
As for the history of the games, Sulaiman said they went back as far as the 15th century.
He said games like Sepak Raga and Gusti Peha were played even back then.
“Some of the games developed, faded and made a comeback years later.
“For example, Galah Panjang was very popular in the 1940s but it was banned in Kelantan in the 1950s because it was too violent,” he said.
He also said some of the games like Sepak Raga had evolved into international sports.
The games have potential to become bigger and more popular but for it to go to the next level, there has to be committed leadership.
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