MOTAC Approves RM400,000 To Upgrade Kampung Pengkalan Renggam Gasing Pangkah Court
MELAKA, July 5 (Bernama) -- The government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), has approved RM400,000 to upgrade the Gasing Pangkah Delima Court in Kampung Pengkalan Renggam, Kandang, here.
The initiative aims to preserve the traditional sport and enhance infrastructure to develop heritage sports in the state, said Ayer Molek assemblyman Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
He said the allocation has been approved, and upgrading works are expected to start after the 2026 Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam (DMDI) International Gasing Competition concludes.
"Once completed, the (Gasing Pangkah) court will serve not only as a competition venue but also as a training and talent development centre for the younger generation, as well as a venue for international championships.
"It is also hoped that this court will become a proud heritage tourism landmark in the Ayer Molek constituency specifically and Melaka in general," he said at the closing ceremony of the 2026 DMDI International Gasing Competition here today.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
Rahmad said he fully supports efforts to make the competition an annual event on the DMDI member countries' calendar and to include it as a major event in the Melaka tourism calendar.
He proposed that the championship be expanded to include other traditional games such as tug-of-war, sepak bulu ayam, congkak, and galah panjang to preserve and uphold Malay cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, competition chairman Datuk Abu Bakar Abdul said 20 teams participated in the 2026 DMDI International Gasing Competition, including two teams from Indonesia, one from Singapore, and teams from across the country.
He said the response to this year’s second edition was strong, with participation rising to 20 teams from 16 in last year’s inaugural competition.
Abu Bakar said the increased participation shows growing interest in the heritage sport and is a positive sign for efforts to expand the Malaysian Gasing Pangkah heritage sport to other countries.
-- BERNAMA