SOME 2,500 participated in the ‘Keretapi Sarong Johor’ event to mark Malaysia Day.
Participants joined a 2km parade from Johor Baru’s 0km landmark, passing through Sungai Segget, before ending their walk at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Some gathered at the Danga Bay Convention Centre as early as 7am to board buses provided by Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ) to the starting point.
Participants were accompanied by marching bands and ‘kompang’ performances throughout the walk along downtown Johor Baru.
The event, which included multicultural performances, was organised by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and managed by Iskandar Malaysia Youth Hub Sdn Bhd.
Irda chief executive Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim said the event was a good way to foster unity among Malaysians while also giving locals an avenue to grow their business.
“The Keretapi Sarong Johor event serves as a platform to introduce local culture and foster the spirit of unity and Malaysian pride.
“The event also makes downtown Johor Baru more vibrant.
“At the same time, it also provides an opportunity for local entrepreneurs, especially youths, to offer their products and expand their brands,” he said in a statement.
After the parade, the festivities continued with a Malaysia Day celebration featuring the Malay zapin dance, dikir barat and Chinese drums, among others.
Inside Persada Johor, there were some 29 stalls selling crafts, food, clothes and other products.
Some of the traders involved were former participants of Irda’s entrepreneurship programmes such as Iskandar Malaysia Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and the Iskandar Malaysia Business Upskilling for Youth.
