Keretapi Sarong flash mob back to jazz up Malaysia Day celebrations

More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in the ethnic-themed Keretapi Sarong 2023 (KS2023) flash mob programme on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day, according to the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Locco. The unique celebration will feature traditional dance, music, and multi-ethnic storytelling, and will be held in various cities and transit stations including Putrajaya Sentral (KLIA Transit), Subang Jaya (LRT), Bandar Utama (MRT), Ampang (LRT), Gombak (LRT), Kajang (MRT), and KL Sentral (LRT). Similar events will also take place simultaneously in major cities like Johor Baru (along Sungai Segget), Ipoh (KTMB Ipoh), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu Cultural Village), and London, United Kingdom (Battersea Power Station).

Over 20 groups from various walks of life, such as Baba Nyonya Selangor, United Malaysia Hindu Voice, Mandarin Jer, Anak Teater Malaysia, Malaysia Fashion Creative Award, and KL Sketch Nation, will be participating in the event, according to the statement. Programme director Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman expressed excitement about the secret location for this year’s event, which will be held at Dataran Merdeka, an iconic and historic place in Malaysia. Participants will start their train journey in a flash mob atmosphere and enjoy the views of the city around the Klang Valley.

The Keretapi Sarong programme started in 2012 and has seen the participation of thousands of individuals using public transport while dressed in sarong or batik outfits or stickers that symbolize Malaysia’s diverse heritage and culture. This year’s programme is organized in cooperation with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Culture and Arts Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Rapid KL, Air Asia, Bulan Bintang, and Mr DIY, as stated in the press release. – Bernama