Keretapi Sarong 2026 Celebrates the Spirit of “Sayang Malaysia”

As thousands of Malaysians fill public transport stations and train carriages, Keretapi Sarong 2026 (KS26) invited them to do more than simply wear traditional attire or take photographs. They are being encouraged to get to know the person standing beside them.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia Day and its tenth anniversary, KS26 returned under the theme “Sayang Malaysia” — a call for Malaysians to express their love for the country through curiosity, mutual respect and a willingness to live together despite their differences.  

LOCCO Co-Founder Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman stated that the true meaning of Keretapi Sarong lay not only in the clothes worn by participants, but also in the relationships formed throughout the journey.

“Today, we will see sarong, batik, songket, kebaya, baju Melayu and various forms of traditional attire filling our stations. They are all beautiful, but the most important thing is not what we wear. What matters most is the person standing beside us – perhaps someone of a different ethnicity, language, faith, state or background, but who shares the same homeland,” he said.

In the Klang Valley, participants began their journey from 12 selected stations in 10 cities before travelling to a secret destination that was revealed on the day of the event, Raintree Plaza @ TRX. The same spirit was carried by local communities in Padang Besar, Langkawi, Sungai Petani, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu and Kuantan.

For the first time, Women Only Station at Titiwangsa MRT Station was introduced as a dedicated starting point for female participants. The initiative was developed in response to requests from women in the community for a more comfortable environment in which to begin their journey, particularly when trains and stations are crowded. It will also serve as a platform to celebrate women’s creativity, contributions and leadership in shaping families, communities and the nation.

To commemorate its tenth anniversary, Keretapi Sarong also introduced its first official theme song, “Joget Sarong”, performed by acclaimed singers Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry. The song gives a new voice and rhythm to a journey that has long been shaped by folk music, spontaneous performances and collective singing.

As Principal Sponsor, Ms Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore, said the spirit of togetherness was one that deeply resonated with the renowned brand.

“For generations, MAGGI has been present in Malaysian kitchens and has become part of the moments we share. Just as food brings us closer together, Keretapi Sarong unites Malaysians through a shared experience of pride in our culture and identity. We are truly honoured to be part of this celebration.”

Other renowned brand representatives; including Wonda Kopi, Watsons Malaysia, NIVEA and official banking partner; Ambank also highlighted how Keretapi Sarong united their brands alongside appreciation towards the shared memories over the years across Malaysians from different communities, cultures and generations.

KS26 also received support from its Supporting Partners, namely Kart’s, Febreze, Siti Khadijah, Beauty of Joseon, KWC Fashion Wholesale, Wardah, Fipper, Media Prima Berhad, Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Mana Mana Hospitality and The Hype Cosmetics Outlet (THCO).

KS26 was further strengthened by Rapid KL as its Official Mobility Partner, while Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) serve as Principal Strategic Partners. PRO Apparel, TBG Mall, GRAK, TGV Cinemas and BEHATI are the Collaboration Partners for KS26.