A file picture of participants last year's Keretapi Sarong programme. - Photo: Locco
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in the ethnic-themed Keretapi Sarong 2023 (KS2023) flash mob programme on Sept 16 in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Locco, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), said in a statement that the unique celebration, comprising traditional dance, music and multi-ethnic storytelling, will be held in various cities and transit stations including Putrajaya Sentral (KLIA Transit), Subang Jaya (LRT), Bandar Utama (MRT), Ampang (LRT), Gombak (LRT), Kajang (MRT) and KL Sentral (LRT).
Similar events will also take place simultaneously in major cities like Johor Baru (along Sungai Segget), Ipoh (KTMB Ipoh) and Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu Cultural Village), as well as in London, United Kingdom (Battersea Power Station).
According to the statement, the event will involve more than 20 groups from various walks of life such as Baba Nyonya Selangor, United Malaysia Hindu Voice, Mandarin Jer, Anak Teater Malaysia, Malaysia Fashion Creative Award and KL Sketch Nation.
Programme director Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman, in the same statement, said Malaysians and foreign tourists will start their train journey in a flash mob atmosphere while enjoying the views of the city around the Klang Valley.
"We are very excited to announce that this year's secret location is at the most iconic and historic place in the country - Dataran Merdeka!
"It will be a truly historic moment for everyone to gather at Dataran Merdeka this year after the train journey that departs from the selected stations," he said.
The Keretapi Sarong programme began around 2012 and has involved thousands of participants using public transport while wearing sarong or batik outfits or stickers that symbolise the multiracial heritage and culture in Malaysia.
This year's programme is organised with the cooperation of various parties, including the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, the Culture and Arts Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Rapid KL, Air Asia, Bulan Bintang and Mr DIY. - Bernama
