The Games We Used to Play

By: Fatini Idris

Kids are too attached to their gadgets these days. There’s nothing wrong with it – iPads, smartphones, even gaming consoles provide great entertainment and can be useful educational tools when used correctly and with close adult supervision. When I see my niece playing with her dad’s iPad, I can’t help but reminisce about the times in my childhood when my free time was spent playing outdoor games with my friends, and I wonder if there will come a time when a generation in the future may not know about gasing, konda-kondi or teng-teng. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remember the games, and maybe it’ll inspire you to take your kids out and play them like you used to:

Gasing 1

Known in English as spin-top, gasing is a popular game among Malay youths, especially boys. There are many other versions of gasing in Malaysia alone – let alone the world – but a simple one as pictured above is the most popular. The top is usually made of wood or iron, and a long string is wrapped around the top halfway from the bottom where the tip is, towards the middle of it. To play, the player throws the top on a flat ground where a large circle is drawn on and make sure that the top lands into the circle. Other players will then join in, and the one with the longest spinning gasing wins the game.

Gasing

Another version of the game involves one player trying to strike out another player, by throwing their gasing to move their opponent’s top out of the circle. You can play with just one other person, or as many as 10 others. There’s no set rule when it comes to the number of players… it’s all about making the most of your time.

Konda-kondi

Konda Kondi 1

This game looks simple, but looks can be deceiving! The game reportedly has Indian origins, and to play, you need to have a sharp mind and be quick on your feet. There are actually several ways to play the game, although the requirements are similar: players are divided into two teams (offensive and defensive), it is usually played on a clear field, and two sticks are required; a long one of about 2 – 3 feet in length to flick and a shorter one of about 6 inches. A small hole is dug in the ground to place the smaller stick to be flicked and flung by the longer stick.

Konda Kondi

One of the common methods to play is to have a player of the offensive team to flick and fling the smaller stick as far as he can using the long stick. The long stick is then placed inside the whole, while the players of the defensive will try to catch the short stick before it hits the ground, and throw it back to the long stick in the hole. If it hits the stick, the offensive player is out, but if the smaller stick lands right across the longer stick, the whole offensive team is out, and the roles between the two teams will reverse thus giving the defensive team a chance as the offensive.

Tarik Upih

Tarik Upih

It’s like sledding, but instead of using sleds during winter time, we play it by using palm fronds all year round. It requires at least two players – one to sit on the frond, and the other to pull the frond on its other end. You can make a competition out of it by racing with another duo, and whoever crosses the line first is considered the winner. The game is usually played in the rural or suburban area and it’s a rarity to see them being played in the city. So on’t miss the chance to play if you come across it!

Chapteh

Chapteh or sepak bulu ayam in Malay is a popular game in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The game requires dexterity, and tests your ability to balance and keep the chapteh in the air for as long as you can by kicking it upwards using the heel of your foot.

Chapteh 1  Chapteh

Usually played in a small group, players are judged individually on the number of kicks they make. The players agree on a winning tally of kicks before the game starts, and the first person in the group to reach that tally, or the player with the highest score in the group, is considered the winner.

Ketinting

Ketinting or teng-teng is another traditional game that can also be found in other parts of the world, such as in the USA, where it is known as hopscotch. The two basic features of the game are the square boxes drawn on a flat surface (either by using chalk or drawing up the soil), and the players’ jumping skill. It is usually played by two or more players.

Ketinting 1  Ketinting

To play, the first player must throw their gundu (a small item that is used as a ‘marker’ in a game; in this case, it’s usually a pebble) on the first box. If you miss it, your turn will be void, and the next person takes their turn. If it lands, you then hop on one leg on each boxes except where the gundu lands on – meaning that, if it lands on the first box, you must skip across it. You can land on both feet when you’re at the ‘home’ or the last box, and make your way around back to the beginning on one leg, picking up your gundu when you reach it. The next player will then take their turn. As the game progresses, you must aim your gundu at the next number, until it reaches the ‘home’ box.

There are many other traditional outdoor games that I did not mention here, and some may have already been forgotten. Why not we take our time to teach our little ones these simple games, and make it into a fun activity for the whole family? It’ll be a great bonding experience, while at the same time preserving a slice of our heritage.

 

Government Urged To Build National Tourism Institution

TEMERLOH, June 18 (Bernama) — The Pahang Tourism and Culture committee has urged the federal government to build a national tourism institution to educate and produce skilled manpower in order to boost the sector.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said the tourism sector was the largest contributor to the national economy and it should be managed in a professional manner, especially in highlighting quality products to tourists.

“This institution should have a uniform curriculum to train individuals who are directly involved in the tourism industry. They will not only be trained as ‘little ambassadors’ of the country in terms of speech, dress, manners and culture, but also in the Malaysian culinary arts and food,” he told reporters here today.

A certificate from the institution will be recognised as a ‘licence’ to open a new homestay or work with any employer in the tourism industry in the country, he added.

Mohd Sharkar, who is also Lanchang assemblyman, said the state government was willing to offer suitable land for building the institution.

“Pahang has various natural attractions such as beaches, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, hills and secondary forest which can be highlighted to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

“The many world-class tourist destinations available in the country will not benefit the economy if it is not utilised properly,” he said.

News Source — BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/newsindex.php?id=1145480


Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the target was achievable because of the special activities arranged this year.
“This annual festival will feature activities like nasyid competition, question and answer session on religion and mosque tourism exhibition,” he told reporters at the launching of Iftar@KL 2015, here today.

Also present was Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ong Hong Peng.

The launching ceremony was attended by more than 3,000 people including tourists.

Iftar@KL 2015, organised by Tourism and Culture Ministry and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, will be held every Saturday and Sunday during Ramadan.

News Source — BERNAMA

MALACCA TOURISM ASSOCIATION
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru,75150 Melaka, Malaysia. Tel: 06-284 8234 Fax: 06-281 8408
email: mtamkz@hotmail.com website: www.malaccatourism.com

President :

Mdm. Madelina Kuah Wey Lee Kenzar Travel Tours Sdn. Bhd.
DSM,BCM,BKT, PJK No. 113-A, Jalan TMR 24, Taman Melaka Raya,
75000 Melaka.
Tel. No : 06-281 1133 Fax No:06-281 1122
H/P No: 019-665 7221
E-mail:madelina@kenzartravel.com.my;
kenzar@pd.jaring.my

Vice President:

Encik Sazali Sabri,PJK Seri Malaysia Melaka Hotel
Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Melaka, 75760 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-232 8464 Fax: 06-232 8470
H/P No: 012 231 5685 E-mail:zaligoodman@yahoo.co.uk

Secretary :

Mr. Narendra Kumar Reddy,PJK The Shore@ Malacca River
(Kerjaya Hotel Sdn Bhd)
189-G-01 , Jalan Pesisiran
75300 Melaka
Tel: 06-282 2666 Fax: 06-282 0333
H/P No: 012 220 3828
Email: narendra.kumar@kerjayaprospek.com

Treasurer:

Mr. Gan Sen Chin Ezee Technosys (M) Sdn Bhd
DT 3946-1, Jalan Angsa Mas 1
Taman Angsa Mas, Durian Tunggal,76100 Melaka
H/P No: 6 016 663 2377
E-mail:gan @ezeetechnosys.com.my

Ahli Jawatankuasa:

Puan Latifah Mohd Abdul Wahab
LMN Travel Tours Sdn Bhd
No.19-2, Jalan PM2
Plaza Mahkota,75000 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-286 0399 Fax No:06-286 0397
H/P No: 017-692 7917
E-mail:lmntravel_tours@yahoo.com

Encik Nazary Bin Ahmad,DSM, BCM
Melaka Taming Sari Bhd
Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka Tel:06-288 1100 Fax:06-288 1551
H/P No: 019-388 9267
E-mail:nazary@menaratamingsari.com

Mr. Gunabalan A/L V.G.Balasubramanian
Balmic Management Services Enterprise 828H, Taman Kerjasama, Jalan Zamrud 1
75450 Melaka
H/P No: 012-605 0446
E-mail:gunabalan67@yahoo.com

Ms Jessica Yeo
Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre
(Representative for Ms Christine Lee)
Medical Hub, Pantai Klebang,
Taman Limbongan Indah, 75200 Melaka
H/P: 016-665 3323
E-mail:jessicayeo@orientalmedical.com.my

Ms Melissa Chan Bee Cheng
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum Melaka
48 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75100 Melaka
Tel/ Fax: 06-283 1273
H/P: 012-362 8274
E-mail:melissa@babanyonyamuseum.com

Mr. Feeter Francis

Hatten Hotel
Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir,
75000 Melaka

Tel: 06-221 9738 Fax: 06-221 9799
H/P: 012-3872396 Email :feeter.francis@hattenhotel.com

Mr. Stanley Lam
Mahkota Medical Centre Sdn. Bhd. No.3, Mahkota Melaka, Jalan Merdeka 75000 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-285 2888 Fax No:06-281 0560
E-mail: stanleylam@mahkotamedical.com

Mr Chew Chert Fong
Coral Wonderland Sdn Bhd
F4-99 Level 4,
Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall
Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka Tel:06- 282 9966 Fax:06-281 9966
H/P: 012-681 8168
Email: chewchertfong@hotmail.com

Past President :

Datuk Seet Tiang Chye
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
DMSM,DSM,BCM,BKT
H/P No: 012-6811848 E-mail: seet38@gmail.com

Executive Secretary
Miss Cheong Fay Fong
Persatuan Pelancongan Negeri Melaka
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
Tel: 06-284 8234 Fax: 06-281 8408
H/P No. 017-681 3901 E-mail: mtamkz@hotmail.com

MALACCA TOURISM ASSOCIATION
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru,75150 Melaka, Malaysia. Tel: 06-284 8234 Fax: 06-281 8408
email: mtamkz@hotmail.com website: www.malaccatourism.com

President :

Mdm. Madelina Kuah Wey Lee Kenzar Travel Tours Sdn. Bhd.
DSM,BCM,BKT, PJK No. 113-A, Jalan TMR 24, Taman Melaka Raya,
75000 Melaka.
Tel. No : 06-281 1133 Fax No:06-281 1122
H/P No: 019-665 7221
E-mail:madelina@kenzartravel.com.my;
kenzar@pd.jaring.my

Vice President:

Encik Sazali Sabri,PJK Seri Malaysia Melaka Hotel
Lebuh Ayer Keroh, Melaka, 75760 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-232 8464 Fax: 06-232 8470
H/P No: 012 231 5685 E-mail:zaligoodman@yahoo.co.uk

Secretary :

Mr. Narendra Kumar Reddy,PJK The Shore@ Malacca River
(Kerjaya Hotel Sdn Bhd)
189-G-01 , Jalan Pesisiran
75300 Melaka
Tel: 06-282 2666 Fax: 06-282 0333
H/P No: 012 220 3828
Email: narendra.kumar@kerjayaprospek.com

Treasurer:

Mr. Gan Sen Chin Ezee Technosys (M) Sdn Bhd
DT 3946-1, Jalan Angsa Mas 1
Taman Angsa Mas, Durian Tunggal,76100 Melaka
H/P No: 6 016 663 2377
E-mail:gan @ezeetechnosys.com.my

Ahli Jawatankuasa:

Puan Latifah Mohd Abdul Wahab
LMN Travel Tours Sdn Bhd
No.19-2, Jalan PM2
Plaza Mahkota,75000 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-286 0399 Fax No:06-286 0397
H/P No: 017-692 7917
E-mail:lmntravel_tours@yahoo.com

Encik Nazary Bin Ahmad,DSM, BCM
Melaka Taming Sari Bhd
Jalan Merdeka, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka Tel:06-288 1100 Fax:06-288 1551
H/P No: 019-388 9267
E-mail:nazary@menaratamingsari.com

Mr. Gunabalan A/L V.G.Balasubramanian
Balmic Management Services Enterprise 828H, Taman Kerjasama, Jalan Zamrud 1
75450 Melaka
H/P No: 012-605 0446
E-mail:gunabalan67@yahoo.com

Ms Jessica Yeo
Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre
(Representative for Ms Christine Lee)
Medical Hub, Pantai Klebang,
Taman Limbongan Indah, 75200 Melaka
H/P: 016-665 3323
E-mail:jessicayeo@orientalmedical.com.my

Ms Melissa Chan Bee Cheng
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum Melaka
48 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75100 Melaka
Tel/ Fax: 06-283 1273
H/P: 012-362 8274
E-mail:melissa@babanyonyamuseum.com

Mr. Feeter Francis

Hatten Hotel
Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir,
75000 Melaka

Tel: 06-221 9738 Fax: 06-221 9799
H/P: 012-3872396 Email :feeter.francis@hattenhotel.com

Mr. Stanley Lam
Mahkota Medical Centre Sdn. Bhd. No.3, Mahkota Melaka, Jalan Merdeka 75000 Melaka
Tel. No: 06-285 2888 Fax No:06-281 0560
E-mail: stanleylam@mahkotamedical.com

Mr Chew Chert Fong
Coral Wonderland Sdn Bhd
F4-99 Level 4,
Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall
Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka Tel:06- 282 9966 Fax:06-281 9966
H/P: 012-681 8168
Email: chewchertfong@hotmail.com

Past President :

Datuk Seet Tiang Chye
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
DMSM,DSM,BCM,BKT
H/P No: 012-6811848 E-mail: seet38@gmail.com

Executive Secretary
Miss Cheong Fay Fong
Persatuan Pelancongan Negeri Melaka
No.4281-C, Jalan Mawar, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka
Tel: 06-284 8234 Fax: 06-281 8408
H/P No. 017-681 3901 E-mail: mtamkz@hotmail.com