Taking aim: Visitors seizing the opportunity to try out the slingshot game during the Kelantan Madani Rakyat 2025 programme in Kota Baru. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: A traditional game that has evolved into a minor sport with clubs, rules, and attractive prizes, the humble slingshot – known locally as bidas or lastik – has become a major highlight of the Kelantan Madani Rakyat Programme 2025.
Kubang Bemban Slingshot Club advisor, Azizan Mat Ariffin shared with Bernama that slingshot contests, held in makeshift “rings” began to take off several years back and is now very popular and frequently organised throughout Kelantan.
“Contests take place in various villages during mornings, afternoons and even at night, especially during Fridays and Saturdays.
In short, slingshot contests are now registered under the category of recreational sports.
“This sport reflects a healthy lifestyle and everyone can play, veterans, youth and children. Kelantan counts itself as a state where the sport is active and popular compared to other states,” he said at the event currently being held at the grounds of Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here yesterday.
The sport is actually very therapeutic, and many youths are attracted to it, he said.
“They aren’t only focused on sports like football and sepak takraw, and instead play the slingshot as a recreational activity with friends,” he added.
Visitor Mohd Fadzil Harun, 42, showed up in the early morning all the way from Pasir Mas just to join the open slingshot contest held at the sports exhibition booth.
“I’ve always been into slingshot since young, but this time it’s different because it’s so festive, so many participants from various districts. It’s a chance to share techniques and learn how other people play,” he said.
Visitor Nurul Aqilah Mohd Nor, 27, from Bachok, could not contain her excitement at trying out the slingshot for the first time.
“I didn’t expect it to be so hard to hit the target. But after I tried, it’s very satisfying. If there are any more such programmes, I plan to bring my family and try it out together,” she said.
The three-day event that ends today is led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry in partnership with the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and supported by various ministries and government agencies.
