Keretapi Sarong 25 Unites 20,000 Malaysians
ANN MARIE CHANDY | 16 September 2025
NOW in its ninth year, Keretapi Sarong has grown from a grassroots flash mob into a hallmark Malaysia Day tradition. Each year, thousands of Malaysians don sarongs, kain pelikat and batik prints before boarding trains together, turning public transport into a moving celebration of heritage and unity.
The 2025 edition (KS25), held on Sept 13, carried the theme Serumpun – highlighting Malaysia’s multicultural strength and the shared heritage of the wider Nusantara. More than 20,000 participants set off from starting stations around the Klang Valley, including Subang Jaya, Kajang, KL Sentral, Putrajaya Sentral, UPM and Gombak, before converging at TRX for a day of music, dance, cultural showcases and the much-anticipated joget lambak.
First-timer JC Wong, 34, from Subang Jaya, described the event as unforgettable. “The number of people was just insane, and the energy on the LRT was electric,” he said. “The highlight was definitely TRX – the stage setup, the performances, and seeing everyone in their traditional clothes. Even when it rained, the mood stayed high. It was a day I won’t forget.”
For Muhammad Zamir Naufal, 21, from Shah Alam, the day was both patriotic and personal. Donning headgear inspired by the Terinai dance of Perlis, he wanted to shine a light on the often-overlooked northern state.
“I believe this is a great way to preserve our heritage and enhance our patriotic spirit. Especially for teens and young adults, this event is also a platform to promote our culture, not just for locals but for tourists too,” he said, recalling how he was happy to explain what Malaysia Day is all about to curious visitors he met at TRX.
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For LOCCO co-founder and KS2025 programme director Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman, the continued growth of Keretapi Sarong is proof of how a simple idea can blossom into a national tradition.
“Keretapi Sarong has grown into a signature Malaysia Day tradition and with this year’s Serumpun theme, it goes beyond national borders to remind us that we are bound by shared heritage. Ingat Malaysia Day, ingat Keretapi Sarong,” he said. “Every sarong tells a story, and every participant contributes to the heartbeat of this movement. This year, that heartbeat extends beyond our borders, reminding us that Malaysia’s story is also part of a bigger regional narrative.”
The spirit of KS25 reached far beyond Kuala Lumpur. Flash mobs were also held simultaneously in George Town, Ipoh, Kuantan, Sungai Petani, Pasir Mas, Johor Baru and Melaka. Overseas editions took place in Berlin and Melbourne on Aug 31, followed by Sydney on the same day as the Klang Valley gathering – underscoring how the celebration resonates with Malaysians and friends of Malaysia worldwide.
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What began nearly a decade ago as a flash mob has now become part of Malaysia’s cultural calendar. With each edition, Keretapi Sarong brings together families, students, community groups and even Malaysians abroad – transforming public transport into a stage for unity. As Shamsul put it: “Every participant contributes to the heartbeat of this movement.”
And perhaps that is its greatest achievement: seeing Malaysians of all backgrounds – young and old, men and women, from every race and walk of life – come together in something so simple yet powerful. In a world that often feels divided, Keretapi Sarong shows how culture, heritage, music and the simple act of wearing a sarong can weave people into a shared celebration of belonging.
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