Keretapi Sarong 2026: More Than Traditional Attire, It’s About Saying “Sayang Malaysia”
Keretapi Sarong has become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable Malaysia Day celebrations, bringing people from different backgrounds together through traditional clothing, music, creativity and public transportation.
In 2026, Keretapi Sarong returned for its 10th anniversary with a meaningful theme: “Sayang Malaysia.”
But this year’s celebration was about more than wearing a sarong, batik, songket, kebaya or baju Melayu and taking photographs.
Instead, Malaysians were encouraged to look beyond appearances and get to know the person standing beside them.
Held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, Keretapi Sarong 2026 (KS26) invited Malaysians to celebrate the country through curiosity, mutual respect and the willingness to live together despite differences in ethnicity, language, faith, state and background.
“Sayang Malaysia” Starts With the Person Beside You
For many Malaysians, the visual appeal of Keretapi Sarong is one of its biggest attractions. Train stations and carriages become colourful showcases of traditional Malaysian attire as participants make their way towards the celebration venue.
However, according to LOCCO Co-Founder Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman, the true meaning of Keretapi Sarong goes beyond the clothes people wear.
The journey is also about the relationships created along the way.
A person standing next to you on the train could come from a completely different background, speak another language, practise a different faith or be from another part of Malaysia.
Yet, everyone shares something important — the same homeland.
That idea sits at the heart of the “Sayang Malaysia” theme, reminding Malaysians that national pride can also be expressed through understanding, respect and meaningful connections with one another.
From Klang Valley to Communities Across Malaysia
For KS26, participants in the Klang Valley began their journey from 12 selected stations across 10 cities, before travelling towards a secret destination that was revealed on the day itself.
The destination was Raintree Plaza @ TRX, where participants gathered to continue the Malaysia Day celebration.
The Keretapi Sarong spirit was also embraced by communities in several locations around the country, including Padang Besar, Langkawi, Sungai Petani, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu and Kuantan.
Each location was given the opportunity to interpret Keretapi Sarong according to its own community and identity.
Rather than creating an identical celebration everywhere, KS26 allowed local communities to express the spirit through their own art, music, traditional attire and cultural identity.
The Kuching edition was particularly significant as it marked Keretapi Sarong’s first official participation outside Peninsular Malaysia. However, due to the haze situation in Sarawak, the Kuching celebration was rescheduled to December 2026.
A New Women-Only Starting Point
One of the new initiatives introduced for KS26 was the Women Station Only at Titiwangsa MRT Station.
The dedicated starting point was introduced following requests from women in the community who wanted a more comfortable environment to begin their Keretapi Sarong journey, particularly during periods when trains and stations can become crowded.
Beyond providing a more comfortable starting point, the initiative also created an opportunity to celebrate women’s creativity, contributions and leadership in families, communities and the nation.
It adds another dimension to the Keretapi Sarong experience while maintaining the event’s wider message of inclusivity and community.
“Joget Sarong” Gives KS26 Its Own Sound
To mark its 10th anniversary, Keretapi Sarong also introduced its first official theme song, “Joget Sarong.”
The song is performed by acclaimed Malaysian singers Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry, giving the annual celebration a dedicated musical identity.
Music has always been an important part of Keretapi Sarong, with folk music, spontaneous performances and collective singing helping to create the lively atmosphere associated with the event.
“Joget Sarong” brings a new rhythm to that tradition while celebrating the journey that Keretapi Sarong has taken over the past decade.
Brands Join the Malaysia Day Celebration
Keretapi Sarong 2026 was also supported by a wide range of local and international brands.
As Principal Sponsor, MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore highlighted the connection between food, shared moments and togetherness. The brand noted that food has long played an important role in bringing Malaysians together.
WONDA Kopi Tarik, meanwhile, returned to celebrate the familiar Malaysian coffee culture that crosses communities and generations. Its booth at KS26 was among the attractions throughout the celebration.
For the first time, Watsons Malaysia joined Keretapi Sarong as its Official Health and Beauty Partner, supporting the event’s focus on cultural diversity, confidence, self-expression and unity.
NIVEA also highlighted the importance of staying fresh and confident during the celebration, particularly given Malaysia’s hot and humid climate.
Meanwhile, Nando’s Malaysia connected the “Sayang Malaysia” message with its own belief in celebrating differences and bringing people together.
AmBank Group, as Official Banking Partner, also supported the event and highlighted Keretapi Sarong’s role in bringing Malaysians together through culture, tradition and community.
Keeping the Malaysian Spirit Moving
KS26 was further supported by numerous 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 event as Principal Strategic Partners.
PRO Apparel, TBG Mall, GRAK, TGV Cinemas and BEHATI also joined as Collaboration Partners.
More Than a Celebration
After ten years, Keretapi Sarong has grown into more than an annual gathering where Malaysians dress up and travel by train.
Its 2026 “Sayang Malaysia” theme places greater emphasis on the people behind the colourful outfits and photographs.
The message is simple: loving Malaysia can begin with getting to know the person next to us.
Whether through traditional attire, music, food, public transport or simply sharing a conversation with someone from a different background, Keretapi Sarong 2026 shows how everyday interactions can become part of a larger celebration of Malaysian identity.
As Malaysia continues to celebrate its diversity, perhaps the most meaningful part of Keretapi Sarong is not where the journey ends, but the people we meet along the way.
For further information on Keretapi Sarong, visit www.locco.com.my
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