Kuala lumpur: The Keretapi Sarong 2026 (KS26) programme held nationwide today drew tens of thousands of Malaysians dressed in traditional attire, strengthening local cultural heritage and fostering unity in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in Kuala Lumpur, the 10th edition of KS26, centred at Raintree Plaza, TRX, saw a gathering of around 25,000 participants. LOCCO co-founder Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman stated that after a decade, the programme had evolved into a platform for community unity and was no longer merely an event involving people travelling on public transport dressed in sarongs. One of this year's new initiatives was the Women's Station at Titiwangsa MRT station, providing a more comfortable and inclusive space for women. He mentioned that the community-based approach was also celebrated through Joget Sarong on the main stage as a token of appreciation to all sarong wearers after a decade of celebrating Malaysia Day together. The event in the capital was highlighted by the surprise appearance of Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and live performances by Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry.
In Penang, more than 15,000 visitors thronged the Penang Ferry Museum grounds to take part in Keretapi Sarong George Town 2026. Penang Ferry Museum director Abdul Hadi Abu Osman said the programme, held from 8 am to 11 pm, brought together people of various races dressed in traditional attire such as kebaya, cheongsam, hanfu, sari, as well as ethnic costumes from Sabah and Sarawak. He remarked that the programme provides an excellent platform for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of Malaysia Day in an atmosphere of goodwill and harmony.
In Kelantan, more than 500 participants boarded Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train at the Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas and Tumpat stations to take part in the Pasar Che Siti x Keretapi Sarong 2026 programme. Kotak Seni marketing and communications officer Lupin noted that participants this year came dressed in bolder styles with vibrant touches of colour while retaining the concept of wearing sarongs. The fourth edition in Kelantan this year featured cultural performances including mak yong and was attended by more than 2,000 visitors. The programme, which runs until September 19, also has sales booths offering handicrafts, food, and souvenirs for visitors.
In Melaka, about 3,000 participants from various communities, including the Baba Nyonya, Chetti, and Portuguese communities, gathered as early as 7 am at Muzium Istana Kesultanan Melayu Melaka before embarking on a two-kilometre procession through A Famosa, ending at Menara Taming Sari. Various activities were held in conjunction with the programme, including cultural performances, the Jalur Gemilang creative attire competition, joget lambak, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme with an environmental club, as well as a special performance by ethnic pop music singer Noraniza Idris.
In Perak, the fifth edition of KS26 organised by Ipoh Social Club brought together about 2,000 participants at the Ipoh Railway Station. Ipoh Social Club founder Deena Erissa Delaila Mohd Zawawi said the programme began with joget lambak and traditional games before participants were taken to visit historical sites around Ipoh Old Town. Participants were taken to several interesting locations around Ipoh Old Town, including Arlene House Museum, Ho Yan Hor Museum and Hourglass Coffee.