IPOH: Over 500 individuals dressed in colorful traditional garments gathered in joyful celebration of the annual Keretapi Sarong event. The event, which coincides with Malaysia Day on September 16, took place for the second time in Ipoh. At 8am, the crowd had already assembled at the Ipoh train station, eagerly awaiting the event. Ipoh Social Club founder Deena Erissa Delaila Mohamad Zawawi, along with Locco (NGO), organized the event. Keretapi Sarong is also held in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, attracting participants from diverse races and religions. Participants will perform the ‘Joget Lambak’ at the train station before proceeding to a café in Ipoh’s old town for a lucky draw session.
The Keretapi Sarong event originated around 2012 and has since engaged thousands of individuals who use public transportation while adorning sarongs, batik outfits, or stickers representing Malaysia’s multicultural heritage and culture. This year, the event is organized with the collaboration of several parties including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Culture and Arts Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Rapid KL, AirAsia, Bulan Bintang, and Mr DIY.
Zamrut Sulaiman, a 41-year-old clerk, woke up at 6am to prepare her family for the event. After witnessing videos and pictures of last year’s event, she and her family decided to participate this year, even bringing along their six-month-old baby. While Zamrut wears the traditional baju kurung, her husband dons an Indian kurta, and their son is dressed in a Chinese Tang suit. They spent approximately RM200 on their outfits and find this event to be a wonderful addition to Ipoh’s festivities. They will be joined by Zamrut’s in-laws as well.
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Credit: The Star : News Feed
