SIPITANG: Each district in Sabah has its own unique symbol representing its identity. Sipitang is known for the spinning top (‘gasing’), a traditional game popular among the Kadayan community.
To showcase this heritage, the local council installed a large ‘gasing’ at the Kg Lumut roundabout along the road to Beaufort, surrounded by four smaller ones at each corner.
Jinin Ahad, 67, from Kg Ulu Sipitang, said ‘gasing’ was traditionally played during specific seasons, such as after the rice harvest – and is now featured in festival competitions.
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The installation not only preserves the cultural legacy but also adds to the district’s attractions alongside the Sipitang esplanade.
Sipitang holds the record for the largest ‘gasing’ in Malaysia which also made the Malaysia Book of Records.
The ‘Pedada gasing’, measuring 1.07 metres and weighing 300kg, was crafted from Agatis Bomeenis wood during the 2003 Gata Festival and is now displayed at the Kota Kinabalu museum.
