Malaysians in traditional attire gather during Keretapi Sarong 2026, turning the journey to Malaysia Day celebrations into an opportunity to connect with one another.

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 September 2026 — Thousands of Malaysians came together across public transport stations and train carriages for Keretapi Sarong 2026 (KS26), but this year’s celebration encouraged participants to go beyond traditional attire and photographs by taking the opportunity to connect with the people around them.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia Day and its 10th anniversary, KS26 returned with the theme “Sayang Malaysia”, encouraging Malaysians to express their love for the country through curiosity, mutual respect and a willingness to live together despite differences in ethnicity, language, faith, state and background.

LOCCO Co-Founder Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman said the essence of Keretapi Sarong was not simply about the traditional clothes worn by participants, but the relationships and shared experiences created throughout the journey. He said the sight of sarongs, batik, songket, kebaya, baju Melayu and other traditional attire was a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural richness, while the people standing beside one another represented the deeper meaning of the celebration.

In the Klang Valley, participants began their journey from 12 selected stations across 10 cities before travelling to the secret destination, which was revealed on the day of the event as Raintree Plaza @ TRX. The same spirit of community was also celebrated in Padang Besar, Langkawi, Sungai Petani, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu and Kuantan, with each location bringing its own local character to the celebration.

The Kuching edition, which marked Keretapi Sarong’s first official participation outside Peninsular Malaysia, has been rescheduled to December 2026 due to the haze situation in Sarawak. The nationwide expansion is not intended to replicate an identical celebration in every location, but instead gives local communities the freedom to interpret the spirit of Keretapi Sarong through their own art, music, attire and cultural identity.

For the first time, KS26 also introduced Women Station Only at Titiwangsa MRT Station as a dedicated starting point for female participants. The initiative was developed in response to requests from women in the community seeking a more comfortable environment to begin their journey, particularly during crowded conditions at stations and on trains. It also serves as a platform to celebrate women’s creativity, contributions and leadership in families, communities and the nation.

Adding another milestone to its 10th anniversary celebration, Keretapi Sarong introduced its first official theme song, “Joget Sarong”, performed by acclaimed Malaysian singers Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry. The song brings a fresh rhythm and voice to the movement, complementing the folk music, spontaneous performances and collective singing that have long been part of the Keretapi Sarong experience.

As Principal Sponsor, Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore, said the spirit of togetherness represented by Keretapi Sarong strongly resonated with the brand, which has been part of Malaysian households for generations. She highlighted how food can bring people closer, much like the event brings Malaysians together through a shared appreciation of culture and identity.

Etika Sdn Bhd Vice President of Marketing Amy Gan also described the celebration as a natural fit for WONDA Kopi Tarik, noting that the familiar Malaysian beverage is enjoyed across different communities, cultures and generations. She said the brand was pleased to return for the 10th edition and celebrate the culture, energy and shared sense of pride that define Malaysians.

The WONDA Kopi Tarik booth at Keretapi Sarong 2026 was buzzing from start to finish.

Meanwhile, Watsons Malaysia joined KS26 for the first time as its Official Health and Beauty Partner, with Regional Managing Director of Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson Group, and Regional Executive Director of Watsons International, Caryn Loh, highlighting the collaboration as an opportunity to celebrate Malaysia’s cultural diversity while encouraging confidence, self-expression and unity through health and beauty.

NIVEA also supported the celebration by highlighting the importance of staying fresh, protected and confident throughout the day. Beiersdorf Malaysia and Singapore Country Manager Dr Christopher Vierhaus said the brand’s NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Epic Night and NIVEA Black & White Invisible Authentic, featuring 72-hour Dual Shield Protection for skin and clothes, were designed to support Malaysians throughout the festivities.

For Nando’s Malaysia, the celebration reflected its own belief in bringing people together despite cultural differences. Brand and Customer Director Lim Siew Ling said the spirit of “Sayang Malaysia” was about creating space for everyone to celebrate their individuality while sharing a common connection to the country and its heritage.

As Official Banking Partner, AmBank Group Head of Group Corporate Communications and Marketing Shazman Shahid said Keretapi Sarong embodies the Malaysian spirit by bringing people from different backgrounds together through a shared appreciation of culture, tradition and community. The bank expressed its support for the movement as part of its efforts to connect with Malaysians through a vibrant and inclusive experience.

KS26 was further supported by Supporting Partners including 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).

Rapid KL served as the Official Mobility Partner, while Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) supported the initiative as Principal Strategic Partners. PRO Apparel, TBG Mall, GRAK, TGV Cinemas and BEHATI also joined as Collaboration Partners.

Through its 10th anniversary celebration, KS26 continues to position Keretapi Sarong as more than a cultural gathering, using public transport, traditional attire, music and community participation as platforms for Malaysians to meet, connect and appreciate the diversity that forms part of the country’s shared identity.

For further information on Keretapi Sarong, follow the latest updates through the following social media channels:

Facebook: facebook.com/locco.my
Website: www.locco.com.my
Instagram and X: @locco.my
TikTok: @locco.my