Keretapi Sarong Marks 10th Edition as Malaysians Celebrate Heritage in Batik and Traditional Attire

Thousands of Malaysians dressed in colourful sarongs, batik and traditional outfits filled trains and public spaces across the country on Malaysia Day for the 10th edition of Keretapi Sarong.

In Kuala Lumpur, participants gathered at designated MRT, LRT and KTM stations before travelling together to the previously undisclosed final venue at Raintree Plaza, The Exchange TRX.

The celebration featured cultural performances and appearances by singers Siti Nurhaliza, Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry.

Similar events were held in cities including George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Bharu.

More than 15,000 visitors reportedly attended the George Town edition alone.

Participants styled batik shirts, kain pelikat and sarongs with modern pieces such as jeans, sneakers and contemporary blouses.

Others wore baju Melayu, kebaya, cheongsam, sari, hanfu and ethnic clothing from Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting the country's diverse communities.

Keretapi Sarong began in 2012 as a flash-mob event organised by Random Alphabets, inspired by New York's "No Pants Subway Ride" but reworked around the sarong as a shared cultural symbol.

After a three-year break, cultural organisation LOCCO revived it in 2017 as a Malaysia Day celebration aimed at bringing people together, preserving traditional clothing and encouraging the use of public transport.

This year's edition carried the theme "Sayang Malaysia" and introduced its first official song, "Joget Sarong", performed by Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry.

What began as a playful train ride has since grown into a nationwide celebration of Malaysian identity, culture and unity.