Malaysia Games Festival 2024 promises nostalgic fun

The Malaysia Games Festival (FPM@KL 2024), returning for its ninth year, will take place at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, from 13th to 16th September 2024. This highly anticipated event coincides with Malaysia Day celebrations and promises to attract more than 150,000 visitors. With a schedule packed from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, the festival offers Malaysians a chance to relive their childhood memories through traditional games while promoting cultural tourism.

Director-General of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing unique Malaysian traditional games, aimed at both locals and tourists. “We hope this KL festival can reinvigorate cultural tourism, to improve the local economy and become an attraction for domestic and foreign tourism,” said Mohd Amran during the FPM@KL 2024 press conference.

The festival features over 2,600 participants from uniformed services, corporate sectors, and higher education institutions. They will compete in a variety of traditional games such as ‘tarik upeh pinang’ and ‘batu seremban,’ transporting visitors back to their childhood days with these nostalgic pastimes.

Reviving Traditional Games and Boosting Tourism

FPM@KL 2024 will host a variety of events beyond traditional games, including the International Drum and Dance Festival (Genta), the Kuala Lumpur Cinta Rasul Programme, and an international tug-of-war contest featuring teams from Brunei, Taiwan, Singapore, and 60 local clubs from across Malaysia. Visitors can also enjoy a poetry recital, a sambal festival, cultural arts performances, and a P. Ramlee and Saloma ‘joget’ workout.

New attractions this year include an interactive lion dance, a Chinese chess competition, and a Saloma bazaar. Fitness enthusiasts can also participate in the launch of Senam Seni 2.0, a module combining dance and fitness, designed to get the community moving while celebrating Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

Organized by JKKN, the Malaysian Traditional Sports Association, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the festival reflects Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry. From traditional game competitions to a world-class international tug-of-war event, FPM@KL 2024 showcases how sports and culture unite people across generations. This year’s festival also emphasizes community involvement, with attractions like the Tamu@KL marketplace featuring traditional games from Sabah and Sarawak, adding to the diversity and cultural richness of the event.

The festival will culminate in a grand opening ceremony on 15th September 2024, officiated by Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. Visitors can expect a weekend filled with fun, cultural pride, and a celebration of the timeless traditions that have shaped Malaysia’s identity.