Over 15,000 people of all ages and ethnicities came together on Saturday to celebrate Malaysia's rich cultural heritage at the Keretapi Sarong 2024 (KS 2024) event, captivating both locals and tourists alike.
Held at Lanai, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) on Jalan Ampang, the eighth edition of this unity-driven program featured local influencers and artists such as Khairul Aming, Pinn Yang, Sabri Yunus, and Angelina Tan. Participants donned elegant traditional attire like kain pelekat, sarongs, baju kurung, classic Malay kebaya, saris, and ethnic outfits from Sabah and Sarawak, showcasing Malaysia's diverse cultural identity.
Beyond the captivating performances of lion dances, kompang drumming, and the recitation of the Rukun Negara, the flash mob set to traditional folk songs was a highlight and eagerly anticipated spectacle since the program's inception in 2017. Program Director Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman noted a significant increase in participation this year, further highlighting the spirit of unity and Malaysia's brand on both national and international stages.
This year's KS2024, themed "Bangga Malaysia" (Proud Malaysia), commenced simultaneously from nine RapidKL and Express Rail Link (ERL) train stations before converging at Lanai, MaTiC. In addition to the main event in Klang Valley, similar events were also held in selected locations: Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Ipoh, Bukit Mertajam, Alor Setar, and even in Paris, France, and Berlin, Germany.
Renowned social media influencer and entrepreneur Khairul Aming emphasized the importance of such events in fostering unity and attracting Malaysians to participate. He expressed his sense of responsibility as a content creator to capture and share the vibrant celebration of traditions, spreading its positive impact.
The Seasia team, who followed the event from KL Sentral to Lanai MaTiC, were awestruck by the enthusiasm of thousands of participants who willingly braved crowds, patiently queued for trains, and remained cheerful throughout. Even on the train, they sang traditional and national songs with gusto.
Their enthusiasm didn't waver even under the scorching sun at Lanai MaTiC, where they remained engaged until the end. Several participants expressed their immense pride in being Malaysian. Nadia, who had prepared since morning, shared, "My grandparents are from outside Malaysia, but that doesn't diminish my pride in being Malaysian, witnessing Malaysia's progress in unity and collective happiness."
