Keretapi Sarong: 2,000 turn Ipoh station into a colourful Malaysia Day celebration
IPOH: The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) station here was transformed into a colourful celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural identity today, with about 2,000 people taking part in Keretapi Sarong in traditional and retro-themed attire.
IPOH, Malaysia saw a vibrant Malaysia Day celebration at the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd station, welcoming approximately 2,000 participants in traditional and retro-themed attire. The event, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, showcased the country's multicultural identity with cultural performances, games, and community activities.
Around 8am, participants began gathering for the inaugural edition of Keretapi Sarong, which has become an annual tradition since its inception in 2021. 18-year-old Lye Fong Yeng, a mechanical engineering student, attended the event for the first time, wearing a cheongsam to experience Malaysian culture. Lye Fong Yeng said she attended the event with several coursemates to learn about dances from different cultures and races.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Muhammad Faizal Abdullah, who traveled from Taiping, spent about RM1,000 on his traditional outfit, which he purchased in Sarawak three years ago. Faizal, a third-time participant, said he likes bringing unique traditional outfits to the event as they are rarely seen in Peninsular Malaysia.
Ipoh Social Club founder Deena Erisa Dila Mohamad Zawawi announced that about 2,000 participants and members of the public attended this year's celebration, with most participants hailing from Perak. The event is now held in other states as well, with Keretapi Sarong in other states focusing on activities within respective states.
The event's fifth edition, which began in 2021, continued to emphasize community-oriented activities, including Joget Lambak, traditional games at various checkpoints, and other simple activities. The program was designed to be uncomplicated, aiming to remind people that unity can be achieved through everyday actions. Participants came from various ethnic backgrounds, including the Chinese, Indian communities, and participants from Sabah and Sarawak.
They also visited collaborating venues around Ipoh Old Town, including Arlene House, Toko Kopi Susu, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, and Hourglass Coffee.
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