Starchild: The fun hobbies of Malaysian children

Everyone has something they love to do during their free time. These fun activities are called hobbies.

Hobbies can be anything from playing sports and reading books to drawing or even collecting things like stamps and stickers. In Malaysia, children enjoy many different hobbies, both indoors or outdoors.Nowadays, many kids spend a lot of time on gadgets to watch videos or play video games. While technology is useful, too much screen time can be unhealthy for the mind and body. That is why having a hobby is important; it keeps our minds active, improves creativity and helps us stay healthy.

Some kids love playing football or badminton at the park with friends. Others enjoy cycling around their neighbourhood.

Chuah Seng Koon, 9

Outdoor activities help us stay fit and we can also make new friends. If you are creative, you might enjoy batik painting or making crafts with colourful beads.

Some children also take up traditional activities like wau (kite)-making or playing congkak with their family.

Reading is another great hobby. Whether they are adventure stories, comics or fairy tales, books take us on exciting journeys. Many children also enjoy playing musical instruments like piano, guitar or kompang, a traditional hand drum.

Cooking and baking can also be a fun hobby. Some kids help their parents make delicious Malaysian treats like onde-onde or banana fritters. Others enjoy gardening, growing vegetables, herbs and flowers right at home.

Undoubtedly, hobbies help us learn new things and stay active.

So, instead of spending too much time on gadgets, why not try a new hobby today? What is your favourite hobby?

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, My Hobby. Here's what they had to say.

"My hobby is playing football because scoring a goal - whether as a centre-back, left-back, right-back, right midfielder, left midfielder, centre defensive midfielder, centre midfielder, right winger, left winger or striker - gives me an incredible sense of joy and pride.

"Whenever I feel stressed from my studies and homework, football is my escape. Kicking a ball on the field or playground helps me relax and feel refreshed. I’m also happy that my parents now take my 15-year-old brother and me to the playground or field to practise. It is a great way for us to bond while improving our skills," says Chuah Seng Koon, nine.

Ong Rou Jie, 6

Ong Rou Jie, six, writes: "I like to play video games. My favourite game is Among Us. I usually play at home with my brother and sister. Playing games makes me feel relaxed and happy."

Fong Kar Hung, 6

Six-year-old Fong Kar Hung writes: “My hobbies are watching television and playing at the playground. I love going on the slides, especially on weekends."

"I like playing with toys, dolls and Roblox during my free time. I always play with my sister, Isabelle," says Tiffany Ooi, six.

Tan Hong Kai, 6

"My hobby is watching television. I love Netflix shows! My favourite is Mechamato, a Malaysian animated series about a boy named Amato and his robot, MechaBot. I also enjoy Ninjago. I usually watch TV shows on weekends and during school holidays,” says Tan Hong Kai, six.

ITEM: Do you know that International Day of Happiness is celebrated around the world on March 20? It is a special day, established by the United Nations General Assembly, to remind us that happiness is important for everyone, no matter where they live.

What does happiness mean to you? Is it spending time with family, playing with friends or enjoying your favourite activity? Why do you think this day is important?

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by March 14. Please put "STARCHILD: Happiness" in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.