KUCHING: The first-ever Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) in Sarawak made a vibrant debut on Saturday at Metrocity Matang, drawing more than 2,500 participants in a colourful celebration of culture, unity and active living.
Held in conjunction with Sarawak Day, the event was officiated on behalf of the Premier by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The event celebrated Sarawak’s diverse heritage while promoting inclusivity and healthy lifestyles among Malaysians of all backgrounds.
“This is the first time this event is held in Sarawak. I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers – from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, from DBKU, from Datuk Fazzrudin’s Service Centre, from Malaysia Marathon and others who have made this event possible.
“And I can see when I arrived earlier, that among all of us, there are Malays, Chinese, Dayak, Indian – all of them. So, more or less, this marathon is a joint marathon. It is very good because it can bring together the people of Malaysia, especially the people of Sarawak,” Abdul Karim said.
Sarawakian professional boxer, Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong, better known as Kilat Boy, led the collective reading of the Rukun Negara pledge, symbolising unity and national pride.
Participants ran or walked three or five-kilometre routes dressed in traditional sarongs, while enjoying cultural checkpoints featuring dragon and lion dances, traditional ethnic performances from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, and vibrant gendang fusion music.
