Eyes on the prize: Rosli Abdullah (centre) taking part in a slingshot game with fellow villagers at Kampung Lanchang, near Rantau Panjang. — Bernama
PASIR MAS: Who would have thought that the slingshot game, which was once synonymous with childhood, has now become a bridge to strengthen community unity in Kampung Lanchang, Rantau Panjang here.
Armed with homemade slingshots, mudballs or marbles as projectiles, villagers regardless of age would gather every evening to participate in a small-scale competition because the prize given to the winner was so unique, namely a chicken egg if they managed to slingshot a suspended iron plate until it fell.
A resident, Haszalie Ahmad, 31, said the idea for organising the competition arose spontaneously when more and more residents showed interest in the traditional game.
“At first, it was just a fun game to fill their free time.
“Over time, it became an activity that was eagerly awaited every evening,” he said when met by Bernama recently.
He said the slingshot competition at a distance of 10m not only tested skills, but also created a friendly atmosphere as villagers supported each other, while joking around.
For Azmi Hussin, 45, this traditional game has also successfully attracted the participation of residents from surrounding villages such as Gual Tok Deh and Tersang, thus fostering friendly relations between the communities.
“Although there are no strict rules and the prizes are modest, this game is fun and can unite the residents. Some come just to watch and some join in this competition...everything is lively,” he said.
He said the catapult game in Kampung Lanchang is not just traditional entertainment, but also proves that simple activities based on local culture can be an effective medium in fostering unity, a sense of belonging and harmony among the community.
