Sarong fans and brands unite for Keretapi Sarong 2025

The ninth edition of "Keretapi Sarong" ("Sarong train"), held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, is set to expand beyond Kuala Lumpur for the first time, reaching Melaka alongside other key cities.

Organised by LOCCO, the festival will take place simultaneously on 13 September (Saturday) in Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Ipoh, Kuantan, Sungai Petani, Pasir Mas, Johor Bahru, and, for the first time, Melaka. The local community in Melaka is taking the lead in organising the event, marking an exciting new chapter for the movement.

According to Rapid KL, an estimated 18,000 participants are expected to join the festivities. Malaysians are encouraged to gather at train stations dressed in their best batik and sarong outfits, before travelling together via public transport to a secret final destination. Along the way, participants can enjoy live performances, interactive games, and a vibrant festival-like atmosphere that celebrates the unity of Malaysia.

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Over the years, "Keretapi Sarong" has grown beyond a simple sarong parade into a cultural and lifestyle platform that connects Malaysians across generations while strengthening ties with neighbouring ASEAN countries.

This year, train service operator Rapid KL, steps in as the headline sponsor, partnering with LOCCO to energise the “Serumpun” ("The same root") spirit and encourage Malaysians to embrace public transport as part of a modern and sustainable lifestyle. Amir Hamdan, president and CEO of Prasarana Malaysia said, “'Keretapi Sarong' celebrates our identity as Malaysians. With the sarong as a symbol of cultural pride, the event also highlights public transport as a convenient and sustainable way to get around during festivities.”

Alongside the headline sponsor, nearly 30 brands are joining the buzz and festivities, with agencies, hotels, and institutions coming on board as community partners for “Keretapi Sarong”. Here’s a quick look at nine of the brands taking part:

1. AirAsia: As a strategic partner, AirAsia is inviting everyone to celebrate the “Serumpun” spirit at the festival, showcased in a video featuring its cabin crew.

2. Bulan Bintang: The local clothing brand will host a mini talent show, "Bulan Bintang Got Talent," giving the online contest winner a chance to perform on their stage at "Keretapi Sarong".

3. Hot FM: The local radio station’s deejays are teaming up with Gardenia to turun padang, meeting fans firsthand at the event’s secret final location. They’re also hosting an OOTD and karaoke contest on social media, giving participants a chance to win a RM150 cash prize.

4. Gardenia: The bread maker is featuring performances by Haziq Rosebi and the Nyala Dance Theatre, while giving away free Gardenia bread and limited-edition “Keretapi Sarong” gifts.

5. Maggi Malaysia: The instant noodle brand is unveiling its new 'Sup ayam berempah' ("Spiced chicken soup') flavour at MRT Mutiara Damansara, along with special performances and photo ops with local celebrities Ain Edruce and Fikry Ibrahim.

6. Nando's Malaysia: From 13 to 16 September, Nando’s is offering a complimentary side with any purchase for anyone showing up in a Malaysia Day sarong or batik. The brand will also be joining the festival on the trains.

7. Saji Malaysia and Fried Chillies: The two brands are joining forces to dish out a selection of curated viral foods at the Lejen food stalls, tucked away at the event’s secret location.

8. Yeo's Malaysia: Which is offering cash prizes worth RM500 for anyone who snaps a picture of their sarong spirit at the Yeo's booth at the event.

9. ZUS Coffee: Blue Buddy is bringing its A-game in sarongs, fueling the festival’s spirit of unity one cup at a time. ZUS is also giving away freebies, including a limited-edition sarong sticker pack, hand fan, tote bag, ZUS Ngupi cans, and curry puff plushie merch with purchases.

Some other brand partners include the Employee Provident Fund (KWSP), Tourism Selangor, Media Prima, Rakita FM, Tudung Ruggle, TGV Cinemas, Clinelle, Air Selangor, and Hikayat, among many more. 

The festivities kick off from 10 Rapid KL stations before converging at Stesen Bukit Bintang and Stesen Tun Razak Exchange, culminating at a secret destination. Key starting stations include Subang Jaya, Gombak, Kinrara BK5, Ampang, Hang Tuah, Muzium Negara, Kajang, Mutiara Damansara, Sri Damansara Sentral, and UPM.

At the secret finale location, Rapid KL will also host exclusive pop-up booths featuring limited-edition merchandise, adding an extra layer of excitement for participants and fans. With LOCCO’s organisation and Rapid KL’s support, "Keretapi Sarong" 2025 promises to be the liveliest edition yet, celebrating Malaysia’s diversity and creating lasting memories this Hari Malaysia. According to LOCCO, there are plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Keretapi Sarong" next year with more states and brands participating. 

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