Ipoh Low-Carbon Day event evokes nostalgia, promotes appreciation for cultural heritage
Sukan Rakyat in Perak’s capital brought together young and old to discover the joys of Malaysia’s traditional games.
It aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, strengthen community ties and encourage public participation in traditional activities.
Many from the 1,500-strong crowd came dressed in traditional attire such as baju kebaya, baju kurung, saree and salwar kameez, in line with the request to showcase cultural wear.
Among the traditional games featured were batu seremban, congkak, tuju selipar, sepak bulu ayam and baling bantal dalam bakul.
The half-day event near Ipoh City Council (MBI) headquarters was held in conjunction with Ipoh Low-Carbon Day and was organised by MBI’s Town Planning Department.
Nazrinnah Mohd Kamil, a civil servant who took part in almost all the games, found the experience enjoyable and nostalgic.
“It brought back childhood memories, especially from my schooldays.
“The game I enjoyed the most was batu seremban,” she said, recounting how she would make her own game pieces by sewing small pillows filled with beans or rice, instead of using stones, to play the game.
“I was so excited that I woke up at 5am for today’s event.
“I even had a WhatsApp chat group with my friends to coordinate what we were going to wear,” she added.
Nazrinnah, who opted for baju kebaya and sarong, wanted to wear something that reflected the spirit of the event.
She said the event was a great opportunity to introduce traditional games to the younger generation.
“We get to meet people from different backgrounds and age groups. It brings the community together,” she noted.
Nazrinnah believes such activities should be held regularly, as they also promote a healthy lifestyle.
Senior logistics clerk Liew Mei Yean stood out in a salwar kameez.
“I won a traditional costume competition last year in this same suit,” she shared.
Liew said embracing different cultures helped promote better understanding among Malaysia’s communities.
“Next time, I plan to get someone to help me wear a saree for events like this,” she said.
“Organisers of similar future events should have booths showcasing and explaining traditional attire from Malaysia’s various ethnic groups.
“It would be good to have more interactive efforts, perhaps with models wearing the attire.
“I would be happy to be one of the models,” she quipped.
Liew also feels that such events should be held regularly.
“We are able to meet new people and make new friends.
“I met one person at a previous event who has become a friend.
“We have since attended several events together, including rock climbing and today’s Sukan Rakyat,” she said.
Liew’s husband Kam Foo Kong, a retired secondary school teacher, was dressed in baju melayu and headgear called tengkolok.
“I’ve joined many similar events as I want to experience other cultures,” he said, highlighting that such programmes promoted unity.
“I feel happy wearing this traditional attire and I also want to improve in games like batu seremban,” said Kam.
Encouraging students to take part, he said, “Nowadays, many children spend too much time on their mobile phones and gadgets.
“Events like this give them real-life experiences beyond screens,” he emphasised.
Housewife Nor Hanisah Mohd Nor said playing games could help improve skills such as problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.
“Games like congkak require players to strategise.
“Schools and other organisations should hold programmes for people to enjoy traditional games,” she said, adding that her 10-year-old son took part too.
Student Nur Alisya Sofeah Mat Isa described the event as insightful.
“It’s hard to come across these types of games nowadays as we don’t really play them anymore.
“Programmes like these should be introduced in schools so that we can learn about these games and how to play them.
“Today, I learned how to play congkak. I would also like to try games like baling selipar and timbang bulu ayam.
“I will definitely recommend it to my friends,” she said.
Guna Segaran V. Thambiduray said he enjoyed both the games and browsing through various booths.
“It is nice to be able to play childhood games and enjoy a relaxing day out,” he said.
Customs agent Ahmad Daud Md Yusuf, who attended with his wife and two children, said such outings promoted family bonding.
A total of 26 teams, each with three members, took part in competitive games.
First place went to “Triple A” led by Nur Alisya. Each member took home an air fryer.
In second place was Nurul Husna Shahruddin’s “Yong Kuale” team, winning a cordless vacuum cleaner each.
Third place with an electric cooking pot for every member, went to team “Mak Vogue”.
Civil servant Intan Marliana Mohd Saidi won the Best Dressed Award.
The event was launched by MBI councillor Twoon Kok Kay.
Also present were councillor Shafiq Ariffin, MBI Town Planning Department director Mohd Zainal Abdul Hamid and Donut Economy Secretariat Unit head Dr Zulqarnain Mohamad.
A total of 56 booths were set up at the venue, offering a range of information and activities.
Ipoh Low-Carbon Day is held once every two months, with the inaugural event in October 2015.
“It aims to raise awareness of low-carbon practices as well as create a cleaner and better environment for the future,” said Mohd Zainal.
“The activities follow a specific theme. This year’s theme, Sukan Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (community sports for the people), aims to foster the community spirit and revive traditional games.”
Mohd Zainal said the participation reflected strong community support.
“These traditional activities not only evoke nostalgia, but also foster teamwork, strengthen community bonds and encourage appreciation of local cultural heritage.
“The programme integrated low-carbon elements by encouraging participants to walk to the event venue and discouraging usage of single-use plastics,” he added.
