More than simply wearing a sarong, it is about getting to know the person beside us and carrying the spirit of Malaysia Day into our everyday lives
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 September 2026 — 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 said 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 sarongs, 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.
The Kuching edition, which marked Keretapi Sarong’s first official participation outside Peninsular Malaysia, had been rescheduled to December 2026 due to the haze situation in Sarawak.
The expansion was not intended to create an identical celebration across the country. Instead, each community is given the space to interpret the spirit of Keretapi Sarong through its own art, music, attire and local identity.
For the first time, Women Station Only 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.”
Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing, Etika Sdn Bhd, meanwhile said, “At WONDA Kopi Tarik, we have always believed there is something special about the moments Malaysians share. Kopi tarik itself is part of that – a familiar Malaysian favourite enjoyed across different communities, cultures and generations. That is why Keretapi Sarong has always felt like such a natural celebration for us to be part of. Having celebrated Malaysia Day together before, we are delighted to come together once again for its 10th edition and celebrate the culture, energy and shared sense of pride that makes us Malaysian.”
The WONDA Kopi Tarik booth at Keretapi Sarong 2026 was buzzing from start to finish.
“Watsons Malaysia is delighted to collaborate with Keretapi Sarong for the first time as its Official Health and Beauty Partner. With more than 800 stores nationwide, Watsons has always been part of Malaysians’ everyday lives, helping them ‘Look Good, Do Good and Feel Great’. This meaningful collaboration allows us to celebrate Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity while encouraging confidence, self-expression and unity through health and beauty. We are proud to stand alongside Malaysians from all walks of life in embracing the spirit of ‘Sayang Malaysia’ and celebrating the qualities that make our country truly unique,” said Ms Caryn Loh, Regional Managing Director of Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson Group, and Regional Executive Director of Watsons International.
Meanwhile, NIVEA highlighted the importance of helping Malaysians remain fresh and confident throughout the celebration.
“Keretapi Sarong celebrates what makes Malaysia unique, bringing Malaysians together through culture, movement and self-expression. In our hot and humid climate, staying fresh, protected and confident is an everyday need. Featuring 72-hour Dual Shield Protection for skin and clothes, complemented by premium fragrances, the new NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Epic Night and NIVEA Black & White Invisible Authentic are designed to help Malaysians remain fresh, confident and protected throughout the day,” said Dr Christopher Vierhaus, Country Manager of Beiersdorf Malaysia and Singapore.
Lim Siew Ling, Brand and Customer Director of Nando’s Malaysia said, “Nando’s was born in South Africa, a country shaped by many cultures. Celebrating our differences and bringing people together has therefore always been close to our hearts. That is why being part of Keretapi Sarong means so much to Nando’s. Here in Malaysia, we see that same spirit come to life as people of different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs and generations show up as themselves, share the same space and celebrate a heritage that connects us all. To us, that is the true meaning of Sayang Malaysia – making room for every one of us in the Malaysia we love. We are incredibly proud to be part of KS26.”
As Official Banking Partner, Shazman Shahid, Head of Group Corporate Communications and Marketing at AmBank Group said, “More than a celebration, Keretapi Sarong embodies the Malaysian spirit at its best – uniting people from all backgrounds through a shared appreciation of culture, tradition and community. As a bank that is proud of its Malaysian identity, we are delighted to support this unique movement while bringing the AmBank brand closer to the people through an experience that is vibrant, inclusive and truly reflective of the Malaysian spirit.”
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.
For further information on Keretapi Sarong, follow the latest updates through the following social media channels:
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