Malaysia Day falls on Wednesday (Sept 16), so why not celebrate it in style – and in your favourite traditional outfit?
Annual flash mob Keretapi Sarong (KS) is back for the 10th year, bringing Malaysians together in colourful traditional attire as they hop on trains and visit public spaces across the Klang Valley and nationwide.
The event, which aims to cultivate awareness of public transportation and celebrate the sarong as a traditional fashion and cultural item, is organised by the community group Locco (Local Companion).
This year, it will be celebrated simultaneously across 10 cities nationwide, marking its biggest one to date.
The 10 towns and cities are Padang Besar in Perlis, Langkawi and Sungai Petani in Kedah, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Baru, Kota Baru, Kuantan and Kuching.Locco will announce further details on gathering points and activities in each city through its official social media channels or www.locco.com.my.
In the Klang Valley, participants will gather at 12 selected starting train stations before travelling together to a secret destination, preserving the element of surprise that has become synonymous with KS.
Locco co-founder Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman said KS was born from the belief that Malaysians need a space to come together to learn to live and celebrate together in our differences.
"When Locco revived KS in 2017, our aspiration was simple. We wanted to bring culture out of exhibition spaces and return it to the heart of everyday life.
"We wanted tradition to ride the trains. We wanted heritage to wait on the platforms. We wanted the younger generation to see that culture is not something old or rigid," said Shamsul in his speech at a press conference announcing KS 2026.
Growing support
KS attracted approximately 12,000 participants in 2024, while more than 20,000 people took part in the 2025 edition across 11 starting stations in the Klang Valley, Shamsul Bahrine shared.
He added the 10th anniversary belongs to every Malaysian who has boarded a train wearing a sarong and celebrated alongside people they may never have met before.
"What began as a simple idea has grown into a shared national tradition, reminding us that heritage continues to thrive when we carry it forward together."
KS 2026 will also mark another historic milestone with the launch and introduction of KS' official song, Joget Sarong.
Created as a musical expression of the spirit of togetherness at the heart of the movement, the song celebrates Malaysia's rich cultural diversity and is envisioned as the musical identity of KS; one that will continue to be sung, embraced and passed down to generations to come.
Participants are encouraged to wear sarong or other traditional attire, and to use public transportation where available. Details on starting locations, gathering time, activities and destinations across the Klang Valley will be announced soon.
Locco is a Malaysia-based creative placemaking company that leads award-winning community initiatives, including KS and the Lenggong Outdoor Festival.
Celebrating unity
Keretapi Sarong brings Malaysians together to celebrate the nation’s cultural diversity and unity. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan
The event celebrates the colours and cultures of Malaysia. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan
Traditional attire adds colour to the Malaysia Day celebrations. Photos: The Star/Faihan Ghani
From different backgrounds and traditions, Malaysians come together in the spirit of togetherness.
Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
Keretapi Sarong turns trains and public spaces into a colourful celebration of Malaysia’s diversity.
Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani
