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Silat is the Malay art of self-defence, which is performed in
such a stylized way, with controlled yet fluid movements, that it resembles a dance.
Silat may be accompanied by drumming. It has been practised in the Malay Archipelago
for hundreds of years. Silat is closely associated with the Islamic religion and
practitioners are believed to develop spiritual strength. Both men and women are drawn
to the art. Silat competitions are held throughout the year.
Sepak Takraw is one of Malaysia's most popular sports. Players
must keep a small rattan ball in the air, using their feet, legs, shoulders and heads
- everything but their hands. |
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Kite flying and top spinning are also widely enjoyed in the Malay
Peninsula. One of the biggest kites is the wau bulan (moon kite), which may be as wide
as 3 metres and can reach an altitude of nearly 500 metres. Kite festivals draw
participation from countries such as the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, Belgium
and Singapore. |
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Did you know? |
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Rakan Muda is a nationwide program aimed at encouraging
youth involvement in sports. |
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Top spinning requires manual dexterity, timing and strength.
A gasing (spinning top) can weigh up to 5 kg and be as wide as a dinner plate.
Inter-village competitions are held annually. Some skilful throws have resulted in
spins of two hours and more. The 1998 Commonwealth Games hosted by Malaysia included
a top-spinning event.
Wayang Kulit or "shadow play" is performed by puppets. The
puppets are backlit so that their shadows fall on a screen. Puppets are made of
buffalo hide, which is dried and carved. They are jointed at the elbows and shoulders
and manipulated with rods. The characters are taken from the Hindu epics the Ramayana
or Mahabharatta. There are 179 plays in the repertoire, and a single performance may
last as long as 9 hours. |
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Spectator sports enjoyed by Malaysians include soccer, horse racing,
car racing, powerboat racing, cricket, squash and field hockey. Malaysian badminton and
ping-pong players have ranked in the top three in the world. |
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Did you know? |
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Many divers come to Malaysia to look for treasure in the
waters of the Straits of Melaka. Portuguese wrecks filled with gold and jewels,
have been found there. |
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