Keretapi Sarong is an annual flash mob event in Malaysia where participants wear traditional sarongs and ride trains or rapid transit to promote Malaysian culture and diversity. Organized by Local Companion (LOCCO), a community-based organization, the event aims to encourage the use of public transportation while celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. Since its inception in 2012, Keretapi Sarong has grown in popularity, with events held across various cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, and Kuala Terengganu, as well as internationally in cities like London and Melbourne.
The event has garnered significant support from Malaysian train operators like Prasarana Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia. In 2023, Keretapi Sarong saw participation from over 20 groups from different walks of life, including Baba Nyonya Selangor and United Malaysia Hindu Voice. The event's theme varies each year, with the 2024 theme being "Bangga Malaysia" (Proud Malaysia), emphasizing unity and cultural pride. This event is not just about the train ride but also about celebrating Malaysian culture, music, and traditions.
Keretapi Sarong has become a beloved national event, promoting unity and cultural diversity among Malaysians. The event features cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and storytelling sessions, providing a deeper understanding of Malaysia's multicultural identity. With its growing popularity, Keretapi Sarong has the potential to become a significant tourist attraction, showcasing Malaysia's rich cultural heritage to the world.
This year's event promises to be an exciting celebration of Malaysian culture, with participants gathering at designated stations in their colorful sarongs and traditional attire to ride the trains to a secret location. Keretapi Sarong 2025 is a vibrant celebration of unity and heritage, showcasing Malaysia's rich cultural diversity and promoting a sense of community among its people. Here's an overview of the event:
A Vibrant Display of Tradition
The Keretapi Sarong event took place today in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together over 18,000 Malaysians from 11 train stations across the Klang Valley to celebrate the country's rich cultural heritage in a vibrant display of unity and diversity. As part of the ninth edition of this annual event, participants converged at Bukit Bintang and Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) stations, showcasing Malaysia's multicultural identity through traditional attire and captivating performances that highlighted the nation's diverse ethnic groups. With a theme that emphasizes shared heritage and cultural pride, the event transformed the city's public transportation into a moving celebration of Malaysian culture, featuring colorful sarongs, batik, and traditional dances that reflect the country's unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. This grand gathering not only promoted cultural appreciation but also encouraged the use of public transport, embodying the spirit of community and togetherness that Keretapi Sarong has come to represent.
Historical Background
Keretapi Sarong started as a small community initiative by LOCCO Malaysia in 2012, with a humble beginning that has since blossomed into Southeast Asia's largest cultural flash mob, captivating the hearts of thousands. Over the years, this event has evolved to become a vibrant celebration of Malaysian culture, demonstrating how traditional values can seamlessly adapt to modern urban settings while promoting unity, tourism, and a sense of national pride. By bringing people together from all walks of life, Keretapi Sarong showcases the country's rich cultural heritage, featuring a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and performances that highlight Malaysia's unique blend of ethnicities. As a testament to its success, the event has not only grown in size and popularity but also in its impact, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among Malaysians while showcasing the country's cultural treasures to the world.
A Celebration of Shared Heritage
This year's theme, "Serumpun," beautifully emphasizes the shared cultural heritage that unites all Malaysians, celebrating the common roots and traditions that bind the nation's diverse communities together. As part of the festivities, participants enthusiastically wore colorful traditional sarongs while traveling on trains, MRT, LRT, and buses throughout the Klang Valley, effectively transforming the public transport system into a vibrant and dynamic moving cultural carnival. The sight of thousands of people dressed in their finest traditional attire, moving through the city's transportation hubs, created a mesmerizing spectacle that showcased Malaysia's rich cultural diversity and unity. With every station and train carriage becoming a canvas for cultural expression, the event brought a sense of joy and pride to both participants and onlookers, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating Malaysia's unique cultural identity.
Promoting Cultural Pride and Public Transport
Dr. Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed, Director of Malaysia Institute of Transport (MiTRANS) and Associate Professor at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), highlighted the significance of train networks in connecting people and fostering cultural exchange. She noted that "The train network connects more than just places; it connects people." By transforming public transportation into a stage for cultural expression, infrastructure can play a dual role in promoting economic activity and preserving the nation's heritage. This perspective is reflected in her research on transportation and connectivity, including the potential benefits of extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Sungai Golok, which could enhance regional rail integration, support the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025, and boost trade and economic growth in the region. By leveraging transportation infrastructure in this way, Malaysia can unlock new opportunities for economic development while showcasing its rich cultural diversity.
Participant Experiences
For Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif, a regular commuter, Keretapi Sarong 2025 was a unique experience that transformed his usual quiet and routine journey into a vibrant celebration of Malaysia's diversity. "My journey is usually quiet and routine. But today, the atmosphere in the train was alive with the social fabric that makes up the diversity of this country," he said, highlighting the event's ability to bring people together. Similarly, Nur Atiqa Kamarudin, a participant, appreciated the opportunity to introduce her children to traditional clothing from other states, showcasing the event's role in promoting cultural awareness and appreciation among younger generations. With over 18,000 participants dressed in colorful sarongs and traditional attire, the event embodied the spirit of unity and cultural pride that Keretapi Sarong aims to promote. By leveraging public transportation as a platform for cultural expression, Keretapi Sarong 2025 demonstrated its potential to become a significant cultural phenomenon in Malaysia.
Cultural Performances and Activities
The Keretapi Sarong event was a vibrant celebration of Malaysian unity and diversity, featuring a wide range of activities that showcased the country's rich cultural heritage. The event kicked off with Sing-A-Long sessions and traditional Joget Lambak performances, setting the tone for a day filled with music, dance, and camaraderie. Cultural showcases by renowned artists like Aina Abdul added to the excitement, with Aina leading the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge at TRX and performing three songs, including "Asean," "Warisan," and "Standing in The Eyes of The World". The evening concerts featuring local musicians further amplified the festive atmosphere, with performances by Mupun Ta’uh, Sri Greteh, Serambi Permata, and intimate acoustic sessions with Bobby, Aleya, and Muiz. These events transformed public transport systems into moving cultural carnivals, demonstrating Malaysia's soft power in promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Government Support
The Keretapi Sarong event garnered significant support from both government ministries and private corporations, underscoring its importance in promoting Malaysian culture and tourism. Amir Hamdan, President and Group CEO of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, highlighted the event's dual benefits, stating, "By wearing the sarong as a symbol of cultural pride, this event also encourages the public to embrace public transport as part of a modern and sustainable lifestyle." This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting eco-friendly transportation. With over 30 brands participating, including AirAsia, Gardenia, and TGV Cinemas, the event showcases the potential for cultural celebrations to drive community engagement and sustainable practices. By leveraging public transportation, Keretapi Sarong not only promotes cultural appreciation but also reduces carbon footprint, aligning with Malaysia's goals for a more sustainable future.
Community Engagement
Keretapi Sarong fosters a sense of community and encourages active participation from individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, all coming together to celebrate Malaysian unity. This event provides a unique platform for people to bond over their shared cultural heritage, despite their differences. As Celia Yeo, a participant, aptly put it, "It's a bridge that unites us. Everyone rode the train together, which was so much fun. It's a combination of cultures that unites us." This sentiment is reflective of the event's ability to bring people together, promoting a sense of belonging and national pride. By sharing in the joy of traditional music, dance, and attire, participants and spectators alike are reminded of the importance of cultural diversity and unity in Malaysia. The event's impact extends beyond the celebration itself, as it helps to strengthen social bonds and promote cross-cultural understanding among Malaysians. With its growing popularity, Keretapi Sarong has become an integral part of Malaysia's cultural calendar, symbolizing the nation's commitment to unity and cultural preservation.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange
The Keretapi Sarong event provides a valuable platform for cultural exchange, allowing participants to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up Malaysia's rich heritage. By bringing people together from different ethnic backgrounds, the event fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country's multicultural identity. As Shahrudin Ahmad, a participant, noted, "Participating with my family not only celebrates our heritage but also fosters understanding in a multicultural society." This sentiment highlights the event's role in promoting cross-cultural awareness and exchange, which is essential in building a harmonious and inclusive society. Through this event, participants can gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions, customs, and values of different cultures, helping to break down barriers and promote unity among Malaysians. By celebrating their shared heritage, participants can develop a greater sense of national pride and identity, while also embracing the diversity that makes Malaysia unique.
Partnership with Good News from Southeast Asia
In late July 2025, LOCCO Malaysia signed a significant partnership with Indonesia-based media outlet Good News from Southeast Asia, expanding Keretapi Sarong's reach and impact across the region. This collaboration aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Malaysia and Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. By joining forces, LOCCO and Good News from Southeast Asia seek to create a platform for storytelling that showcases the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cultures. The partnership is expected to boost regional tourism, create long-term opportunities for cultural diplomacy, and foster a deeper understanding between nations. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, this alliance is timely, and its impact could be substantial in promoting Malaysia's cultural identity globally. This initiative reflects a growing trend of regional collaboration, where cultural events like Keretapi Sarong become catalysts for economic and social development.
Cultural Impact in Southeast Asia Region
Keretapi Sarong has become a significant cultural event in Malaysia, promoting unity, cultural pride, and public transport usage while showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage to the world. With its growing popularity and international participation, it has the potential to become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the globe. The event's unique approach to celebrating unity through accessible public participation has resonated with people of all ages and ethnicities, making it a highlight of Malaysia's cultural calendar. By leveraging public transportation as a platform for cultural expression, Keretapi Sarong demonstrates Malaysia's soft power in promoting tourism and cultural exchange. The event's impact extends beyond Malaysia, fostering regional cooperation and cultural understanding among Southeast Asian nations. Recognized as the "Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort 2025" by the ASEAN Tourism Association, Keretapi Sarong has become an iconic representation of Malaysian culture, promoting unity and cultural pride while inspiring other nations to preserve their heritage.
