KUCHING: Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi wants the traditional game of ‘gasing pangkah’ (top spinning) to be included in the Old Kuching Smart Heritage (OKSHe) programme as part of the Seberang Hilir residents’ heritage.
The Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission) said the traditional game was popular among young Malay villagers in the 60s, 70s and early 80s.
He said it was important for pioneers and fans of the game to revive the traditional sport and pass it on to the younger generation.
The assistant minister made the call while speaking at Pertandingan Gasing Pangkah Tradisional BandarayaKu at the Gasing Court of Kampung Bintawa here yesterday.
The event was organised by ‘Kejiranan Mesra’ (Friendly Neighbourhood), DBKU, OKSHe and the Gasing Association of Kampung Bintawa. Held on Sept 7 and 8, the competition attracted young and adult players.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also the Pantai Damai assemblyman, called for more top spinning competitions to be organised to improve the skills of young players.
“If possible, we would like to see the rise of international players in Kampung Bintawa,” he said.
The assistant minister added old arts and culture in the Seberang Hilir must be revitalised to attract tourists.
“Almost every village in the Seberang Hilir has its own uniqueness and heritage.
“It is important to make our constituency a compulsory destination when tourists come to Sarawak,” he said.
Also present were DBKU director Dr Morshidi Ahmad as well as OKSHe and Sarawak Digital Economy Advisor Dr Al Khalid Osman.
