By Nurul Nabihah
Edited by Izyan Nazihah
Photo: Ahmad Ukasyah
KUALA LUMPUR, September 19, 2023: Over 10,000 Malaysians of diverse races, clad in sarongs and ethnic costumes, gathered for the Keretapi Sarong event in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2023.
Keretapi Sarong is a flash mob activity organised by a non-governmental organisation, LOCCO, that is specifically held to commemorate Malaysia Day.
It involves people in sarongs traveling by public railway services from certain railway stations such as Ampang (LRT), Gombak (LRT), and Kajang (MRT). In the end, they will collectively gather at a final check point, Dataran Merdeka this year, where performances and activities will be held.
In response to the unique idea of a sarong themed event, Ridzwan Nazari, co-director of Keretapi Sarong expressed that, “We figured what better symbol of unity than the sarong to rally fellow Malaysians and have a bit of fun. Everyone wears the sarong, regardless of your race and ethnicity.”
Videos and photos of Malaysians joining the event flooded social media, which shows the enthusiasm of the participants clad in sarongs celebrating at the mentioned railway stations and singing together to iconic Malaysian songs such as Gemuruh and Standing in the Eyes of the World in public railway services.
Finally arriving at Dataran Merdeka, the celebration got more lively as performances such as fashion shows and joget lambak were held.
Seeing the large number of enthusiastic Malaysians participating in this event, Fahmi Fadzil, the minister of The Communication and Digital Ministry, suggested that this event should be incorporated as part of the national month's activities in the future.
This event occured simultaneously in Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Kampung Budaya Terengganu, and London, United Kingdom.
The Keretapi Sarong event first commenced in 2012, in which Malaysians in sarongs or batik clothing hitched a ride on public transport, making this event iconic for the years to come.***
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