Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: In a remarkable display of unity and cultural pride, more than 10,000 people of diverse backgrounds and ages came together to participate in the Keretapi Sarong 2023 (KS 2023) event. This grand celebration, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, aimed to foster a deep sense of love for the nation and its rich diversity.
The participants shattered stereotypes and showcased the beauty of traditional attire, adorned with various ethnic ornaments. Many donned the elegant batik sarongs and 'kain pelekat,' embodying Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.
KS 2023, themed 'Ethnicity and Unity,' was a journey through time, featuring a captivating sarong fashion show, a lively flash mob, and the rhythmic joget lambak dance, all accompanied by the nostalgic tunes of the 60s and 70s.
Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman, the director of KS 2023, expressed his delight at witnessing Malaysians of various ethnicities proudly wearing traditional attire while travelling on public transport. He himself wore the attire of the Bidayuh ethnic group, emphasizing the event's inclusivity.
The Keretapi Sarong, initially introduced by the non-governmental organization Random Alphabet in 2012 and later taken over by LOCCO in 2017, has grown over the years, attracting thousands of participants who travel on public transport wearing batik or pelikat sarongs.
This year, KS 2023 kicked off simultaneously from seven stations, including KL Sentral Light Rail Transit (LRT), Gombak LRT, Ampang LRT, Subang Jaya LRT, Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Bandar Utama MRT, and KLIA Transit, before converging at the historic Dataran Merdeka.
Similar events unfolded simultaneously in major cities such as Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu, and even London, United Kingdom, at Battersea Power Station.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, a medley of patriotic and traditional songs filled the air, including 'Negaraku,' 'Jalur Gemilang,' 'Gemuruh,' 'Rasa Sayang,' and many more.
For participants like Izat Izhar, this event was not just about fostering patriotism but also an opportunity to introduce Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups through traditional attire. Izat, who travelled from Kuantan, Pahang, to Kajang to participate, felt excited and proud to be part of this vibrant celebration.
Alpasusanti Ismail from Bangi, Selangor, found KS 2023 to be a symbol of unity among Malaysia's various races, especially since it coincided with Malaysia Day. She described the event as a heartwarming gathering of friends, both old and new.
In Ipoh, 500 participants from Perak, Kedah, and Penang came together at the Ipoh Railway Station grounds, showcasing a dazzling array of traditional Malay attire, including sarongs, baju kurung, kebaya, and baju Melayu. The event, organized in collaboration with LOCCO, featured joget lambak and lucky draws, providing a unique platform to boost patriotism.
Johor Bahru saw 600 participants marching along the Sungai Segget footpath, singing patriotic songs and performing traditional dances. Raja Taufik Azad Ahmad Suhaimi, head of Social Development at Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), noted the event's success and hinted at the possibility of organizing it again the following year.
Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu's Terengganu Cultural Village was abuzz with the 'Musing Ketang' program, held in conjunction with KS 2023. This three-day celebration showcased the state's rich cultural heritage, from 'tikar kercut' making to traditional boat replicas, wau (kites), and batik paintings.
Sulaiman Sulong, deputy chairman of Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee, saw KS 2023 as an opportunity to introduce Terengganu's traditions and culture to foreign tourists, reviving the region's heritage.
In conclusion, Keretapi Sarong 2023 demonstrated that unity and diversity are not only celebrated but also proudly displayed through traditional attire. This grand celebration served as a vibrant reminder of Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry and the importance of preserving and cherishing its heritage.
Reference: Keretapi Sarong 2023 adds colour to Malaysia Day celebrations
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