Cultural pride on KL streets

Drum troupe (top left corner), dancing lions (foreground) and a variety of traditional outfits bring colour and culture to the joint event organised by DBKL.

The streets of Kuala Lumpur were a kaleidoscope of colour and tradition as KL Car-Free Morning marked National Day and Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship.

Participants numbering in the hundreds wore traditional attires for the event that also doubled as the Merdeka Fun Run ahead of the 68th National Day.

A horse-drawn carriage is a regular part of KL Car-Free Morning on Sundays, which also sees people cycling or walking in the city’s community event.

Organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the event drew runners, walkers and onlookers, all eager to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Traditional dancers performing in front of international guests at Jalan Raja Laut as Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif (in white headscarf) looks on.

The lively Asean Cultural Parade featuring delegates in their respective national outfits added an international flair as things kicked off on Jalan Raja Laut.

The colourful Asean Cultural Paradeincluded DBKL dancers highlighting Malaysia’s multi-cultural makeup.

The gathering was more than just a celebration – it was a nod to Malaysia’s multicultural heartbeat and a reminder that cities thrive when they become shared spaces for their communities.

The colourful Asean Cultural Paradeincluded DBKL dancers highlighting Malaysia’s multi-cultural makeup.

Participants stepped out in baju kurung, kebaya, batik and other heritage wear, turning the streets into an open-air runway of cultural pride.

Cutie pies in traditional outfits waving Federal Territories flags. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star

Street performances by DBKL’s Culture, Arts and Sports Department brought even more energy to the day, blending music, dance and traditional arts.

A horse-drawn carriage

The KL Car-Free Morning initiative takes place every Sunday from 7am to 9am, offering two hours of traffic-free streets for fitness, leisure and community bonding.