Children at play: Exploring perceptions and preferences in Sarawak, Malaysia, through a qualitative lens

Play is fundamental to children's holistic development, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Whereas play preferences are often shaped by sociocultural and environmental factors, limited research exists on how children from different Malaysian settings, particularly in East Malaysia, perceive and engage in play. This study explores the rationale behind play experiences and preferences among urban and rural children in Sarawak.

A qualitative approach was employed to capture the experiences of 10 (n = 10) typically developing children aged 7 to 9 years from both urban and rural areas in Sarawak. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured protocol via Google Meet. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Consumers and community members were not involved in the development or implementation of the research or writing of the manuscript.

Four major themes emerged: (1) play as a source of enjoyment and emotional fulfilment, (2) play preferences shaped by environment and accessibility, (3) social and relational dynamics of play, and (4) the structure of time and space in children's play. Children described play as a joyful, essential part of their daily lives. Urban children favoured digital and indoor play, whereas rural children preferred outdoor and imaginative play. Peer interactions, adult roles, and digital access significantly influenced their play preferences.

Children in Sarawak demonstrate nuanced understandings of play that reflect their social, environmental, and developmental contexts. However, the small and ethnically limited sample (Malay and Lunbawang children only) constrains the generalisability of findings. These insights have important implications for designing child-centred, culturally responsive, and equitable play environments in therapeutic, educational, and policy settings.