Squid Game, the dystopian drama from South Korea, has taken the world by storm, and is still ranked in the Top 10 on Netflix Malaysia 7 weeks after its premiere on September 17, 2021. The K-drama centers around 456 financially challenged individuals competing in deadly children’s games in hopes of winning 45.6 billion won (over RM161 million) to dig their way out of debt. But, there is a twist. There can only be one survivor.
Watch the trailer here:
The series has evoked nostalgic memories for Malaysians who are reminiscing about playing childhood games with neighbours and friends, including with that one friend who always potong stim whenever they’d lose (if you know, you know). Hence, it got us thinking, what classic Malaysian childhood games would be played if Malaysia were to have its own “Permainan Sotong.”
1. Pukul Berapa Datuk Harimau?
The first game of Squid Game is played by children all over the world. It is the type of game for which the larger the group, the better it gets. But did you know that Malaysia has its own version of Red light, Green light? Well, if you didn’t, then now you know. It is called “Pukul Berapa Datuk Harimau?” which translates to “What Time Is It, Tiger Grandpa?”. Since the rules are quite literally the same, Malaysians will definitely relate to the deathly thrill.
The game also goes by names such as “A-E-I-O-U” and “Offence And Defence.”
2. ‘Tossing stones’ (Batu Seremban)
For those of you who can’t remember, the rules for this game are pretty simple. This is a competition that tests your reflexes and dexterity. When one player throws the Batu Seremban and fails to catch the fruit, that individual is eliminated from the game and is then shot in the head.
3. Police and Thief
The game is also known as “Cops And Robbers” and is a pretty self-explanatory one. All players are divided into two teams and each side will attempt to capture as many players of the opposing team and lock them in their respective “homes.” To free them, their fellow team players will have to break through the other team’s defences and tag them. Finally, when the designated time is over, anyone left imprisoned is killed by a headshot.
4. Congkak
All Squid Game fans would probably agree that the 6th episode of the series was a roller coaster ride of emotions. The Marbles game played in the episode requires players to take all 10 marbles from their partner in 30 minutes. And this is similar to the rules of Congkak, where two players compete to collect the larger number of seeds in their respective storehouses. Now, be prepared to face your doom.
5. Lompat Getah
The remaining players will now put their real power to the test with “Lompat Getah” in the 5th game. Players will line up and try to jump over the rope one at a time and with each round of play, the height of the rope increases. Usually, if a player is unsuccessful, they will take over the job of holding one of the ends of the rope. But in this case, they shall be eliminated.
6. Pepsi-cola 123
In the final game, the remaining two players will take part in Pepsi-cola 123 which is the most violent game we’ve played in the schoolyard. The game begins with both chanting “Pepsi-cola” and jumping apart. Then the players take turns trying to kick the other’s leg to eliminate them. Until one player wins, there certainly will be lots of jumping and dodging and ultimately, the last one standing will leave with the spoils.
All this is fun to think about, but here’s hoping no one actually makes this a reality. Because, remember folks, when we say we want a Malaysian version of Squid Game, we mean a Netflix adaptation, and Netflix adaptation only.
