<figure id="attachment_3043555" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3043555" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3043555 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/0bbc1c4b-player-bernama-250425.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3043555" class="wp-caption-text">Chapteh, or &#8216;chicken shuttlecock&#8217; is a game that requires players to use their feet to keep the shuttlecock in the air. (Bernama pics)</figcaption></figure>
TAPAH: While many traditional games fade into obscurity, the residents of Kampung Kassim on Tapah Road, located within the <a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/04/26/ayer-kuning-candidates-come-out-early-to-vote/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ayer Kuning</a> state constituency, continue to keep heritage alive by gathering almost every evening to play &#8220;chapteh&#8221; &#8211; aka &#8220;chicken shuttlecock&#8221;.
Their cheerful laughter and shouts of encouragement as they pass the feathered shuttlecock, which resembles a badminton birdie, fill the village with a lively atmosphere.
Not unlike sepak raga, chapteh demands agility, balance, and sharp reflexes as players use their feet to keep the shuttlecock in the air.
Food vendor Ismail Mohd Ali, 43, told Bernama that besides being an enjoyable way to remain active, the game promotes important values such as cooperation, focus and patience.
&#8220;Playing together strengthens bonds among villagers,&#8221; he said, adding that the game has become a fun and relaxing way to unwind after a long day at work.
Ismail shared that his love for chapteh began during his childhood after watching his father play with fellow villagers.
“I’ve been playing since I was a boy. Seeing my father and his friends enjoy the game inspired me to pick it up.
&#8220;Now, when we see kids more engrossed in their phones, we feel compelled to keep this tradition alive,” he said.
Another enthusiast, Salleh Iman, 40, believes that interest in traditional games like chapteh can still be cultivated among the young generation.
<figure id="attachment_3043556" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3043556" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3043556 size-full" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bba9da2f-chapteh-bernama-250426.webp" alt="" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3043556" class="wp-caption-text">Residents of Kg Kassim in Ayer Kuning hope to keep this game alive among younger generations. (Bernama pic)</figcaption></figure>
“Sometimes children see us playing and get curious. That’s when we step in to teach them. It&#8217;s a great way to ensure this game does not vanish over time,” he noted.
He said they have introduced the game to children and taught them how to make the traditional chapteh using cork and real chicken feathers.
While such handmade shuttlecocks carry sentimental value, modern versions are now widely available online at around RM35 each.
Another chapteh player, Abdul Khadir Ismail, 39, expressed hope that the traditional game can be revived and popularised through organised competitions at the village, state, or even national level.
The lorry driver believes that sustaining interest in chapteh requires strong support from various quarters, including the government, schools, and youth organisations.
“With the right collaboration, we can organise workshops or weekend activities. We&#8217;re more than willing to go out and teach the younger generation, as long as the spirit and willingness are there,” he said.

MatchPoint Times

‘Chapteh’ continues to be a pastime in Ayer Kuning

Also known as ‘chicken shuttlecock’, this traditional game continues to be enjoyed by Kg Kassim residents, who want to keep it alive for future generations.

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