Malaysia Day: Sarong Railway reaches 25,000 participants in the capital

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Sept: Sarong Railways 2026 in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration achieved a target of 25,000 participants at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) which is the main venue of the program.

The mega gathering by traditional dressed participants thus spread the spirit of unity through the involvement of communities from different backgrounds.

The event's founder, Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman said the figures were based on his calculations of the 12 stations where participants moved before they headed to TRX.

He said that this year's visit also went through thorough preparation including taking into account the poor conditions which raised concerns about the smoothness of the programme.

"When a problem arises, we can only pray that it doesn't reach the point of emergency where we have to cancel the event.

"Thanks be to God, prayers were answered and we can carry out this program with great success today", he said at a press conference held here.

This year's Sarong trains also featured some disadvantages including the activation of a special women's station at Titiwangsa MRT Station to give them space to celebrate Malaysia Day more comfortably.

He said the idea was inspired by a community of women who wanted to work together so as to prove that Sarong Railway is a multi-community movement.

In addition, Sarong Railway has been expanded to three new locations: Padang Besar in Perlis, Langkawi Island in Kedah and Sarawak.

"The reception in Sarawak will take place on December 12 next under the Sarong Boat concept", he said.

He said the selection of the concept was inspired by mining boats synonymous with the community in Kuching, as well as bringing the spirit of movement that became Sarong Railway's main identity.

Shamsul Bahrine said that about 25 boat miners in Kuching have been contacted for the Sarong Boat, besides some activities including river crossing action which will involve an artist figure as a tour gimmick.

This year's Sambutan Railway Sarong was also marred by a special presentation of Biduanita Negara, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, along with Aina Abdul and other patriotic artists who entertained the participants at TRX-TVS event.