Latest news with #KeretapiSarong
Barnama
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Sarongs On The Run: MSMR 2025 Kicks Off Sarawak Day Festivities
KUCHING, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made its Sarawak debut today, drawing some 2,500 participants nationwide in conjunction with Sarawak Day celebrations on July 22. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who officiated the event on behalf of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, hailed the run as a platform for unity and cultural appreciation. 'This is a meaningful unity run that strengthens ties among Malaysians, especially here in Sarawak. Congratulations to the organisers,' he said at the flag-off at Metrocity Matang here today. Billed as a 'cultural fun run', MSMR 2025 promotes healthy living while celebrating Malaysia's heritage. Participants ran 3-kilometre (km) and 5km routes clad in sarongs, with the course featuring cultural elements from across the country. The event was jointly organised by Malaysia Marathon and the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, in partnership with LOCCO, the organisers of the 'Keretapi Sarong' initiative, with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Performances along the route included lion and dragon dances, traditional drumming, and cultural showcases from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. LOCCO, in a statement, said the event emphasised inclusivity and heritage appreciation, aligning with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). 'MSMR 2025 is more than a run, it fosters community spirit and champions culture as a living, active force. It invites Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to be part of a vibrant, meaningful movement rooted in national identity,' it said. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Tram Sarong brings Malaysian culture to the heart of Budapest
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Embassy in Budapest, Hungary brought a slice of home to the heart of Europe on Saturday, with its vibrant "Tram Sarong" event. Inspired by the annual Keretapi Sarong, about 90 participants — primarily comprising Malaysians residing in Hungary and embassy staff and their families — donned traditional attire to celebrate Malaysia's cultural heritage aboard the Budapest's iconic Tram Line 2. They were also joined by officials from Asean member state embassies. The embassy said in a statement that the event highlighted the kebaya and Malaysia's rich heritage on a moving platform. The initiative transformed Budapest's Tram Line 2 into a roving cultural exhibition, offering passengers a look at Malaysian traditional attire set against the city's architectural gems. Often hailed as one of the most scenic tram routes in Europe, Line 2 runs parallel to the Danube on the Pest side, offering stunning views of Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge and Gellert Hill. Charge d'Affaires Vanitha Gopalakrishnan said: "We wanted to bring a piece of Malaysia to Hungary in a way that merges culture, and beauty. "The kebaya is more than just an attire. It is a symbol of elegance, tradition, and shared regional heritage across Southeast Asia. "We're proud to showcase it here in Budapest." The Tram Sarong concept originates from the Keretapi Sarong, an annual event in Malaysia where passengers board trains in traditional attire. This event also aligns with the recognition of kebaya by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Dec 4 last year. As the tram pulled into its final stop at the Parliament Building, the celebration ended with a group photo and participants were served traditional Malaysian cuisine.
South China Morning Post
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
‘Stamp out cross-dressing': Malaysian sarong event under fire for LGBTQ exclusion
Malaysian cultural festival has come under fire after its organisers said cross-dressers would not be welcome this year, prompting backlash from critics who accuse the event of excluding the LGBTQ community. Advertisement Keretapi Sarong, a flashmob-style event held annually in September, invites participants to wear sarongs and ride public trains in a show of national pride. Since its inception in 2012, the celebration has grown in popularity and even spread abroad, with gatherings held last year in cities including Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. However, the organisers' recent pledge to prevent 'cross-dressing' at this year's event has sparked criticism from activists and long-time supporters, who say it reflects a broader push to sideline marginalised communities as Malaysia's political climate turns more conservative. In response to online complaints about gender-nonconforming participants at previous events, organiser Locco posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Let us all stamp out cross-dressing! This is a cultural event, [everyone] should be more aware.' The group's position aligned with comments from social media users who said the event should not resemble a pride parade. One user, Mein Mokhtar, wrote: 'If you can't respect the event organiser and can't abide and comply with the rules, then you are not welcome.' 04:41 'Asean's moment is now': Malaysia's Anwar on the bloc's response to AI, tariff challenges 'Asean's moment is now': Malaysia's Anwar on the bloc's response to AI, tariff challenges The comments sparked backlash from members of the public who noted that the queer community had supported Keretapi Sarong long before it gained mainstream popularity.
