Wedding-Feast Vibes At MSMR 2025 As Participants Dazzle In Vibrant Sarong Styles

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Seeing the crowd clad in sarongs and elegant songket attire, with their hair neatly styled, curious onlookers, such as foreign tourists, might assume they were preparing for a wedding.

However, some of the 10,500 people gathered around the Petronas Twin Towers were actually gearing up for the 3-km and 5-km Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025).

The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this evening, showcased Malaysia’s diverse traditions and unity, bringing together participants from all races and age groups.

pic-2

At the starting line, 29-year-old Aleeza Abd Rahim stood out in her black kebaya, complemented by a batik sarong and intricate hairstyle, embracing the event’s theme with grace and style.

“I always take part in running events, and I was particularly excited to join this one because the sarong theme elevates Malaysian culture and makes this event unique,” Aleeza, who began preparing and doing her makeup at 11 am, told Bernama.

pic-3

Meanwhile, Kumutha Torasamy, 38, from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, said she drove over 74 km to be part of the event, which she described as a meaningful celebration of unity through diversity and heritage.

“My husband encouraged me to join since he’s into sports, and I was up for it because it seemed fun and we can just walk or jog while staying healthy,” said Kumutha, who participated in the event along with two friends, both wearing colourful, intricately patterned sarongs.

Although Kumutha admitted she wasn’t an expert at wearing a sarong, she was eager to give it a try and saw it as a fun experience.

pic-4

Civil servant Yazli Yaakub, 50, looked dapper in his songkok, batik shirt, and sarong as he joined the event with his wife, Sukma Che Ahmad, 50, who dazzled in her baju kurung.

“I always try to bring a bit of our culture to every running event I join. Last time, I wore a baju melayu,” he said.

pic-5

Fourteen-year-old Mohamad Raqib Mohd Azmi didn’t want to miss the fun and participated for the first time after being drawn to the campaign shared on social media.

“I’m here today with my sister and aunt. I usually just watch people run and share it on social media, but today it’s my turn to participate,” said Raqib, clad in a sarong and songkok.

-- BERNAMA