IPOH: Over 1,000 people in colourful traditional attire participated in the Keretapi Sarong 2024 event at the Ipoh Railway Station.
The event, held for the third year by non-governmental organisations Ipoh Social Club and Locco, saw participants arrive at the location as early as 7.30am.
Converging at the railway station square, the participants interacted with one another to learn about each other's attire.
Ipoh Social Club co-founder Irfan Azhim Zulkifli, 28, said the event, themed “Bangga Malaysia” (Proud of Malaysia), was held to encourage the use of public transportation and celebrate the sarong and other traditional and cultural wear.
“This year’s celebration exceeded our expectations, with over 1,000 participants, compared to about 500 last year," he said when met at the event on Saturday (Sept 14).
“Participants also performed the 'joget lambak' and reminisced about the past with nostalgic songs while dressed in traditional clothing," he said, adding that the participants were from various parts of the state, including Manjung, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar.
Donning a traditional Indian attire known as the lehenga, housewife Mariani Mohd Hussien, 47, was the most popular person there as hosts of people took selfies with her.
Mariani said she wanted to showcase the traditional attire to the public in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
"I spent about RM100 for this attire as it is usually used to be worn on special occasions.
"This programme enables us to understand about the various races in Malaysia," she said.
Ipoh Social Club co-founder Irfan Azhim Zulkifli, 28, said the event is themed “Bangga Malaysia” (Proud of Malaysia) this year.
Civil servant Azaril Ameer Yahaya, 43, who wore a traditional kuda kepang attire.
University student S. Lavenya Devi, 19, paired her kurti with Sarong.
