WITH vibrant sarongs fluttering in their stride, more than 2,500 participants brought Metrocity Matang to life on Saturday as Sarawak hosted its first-ever Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR), a high-spirited celebration of unity, heritage and healthy living.
The air was alive with colour and music as participants of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels gathered in anticipation.
Runners and walkers alike showed up proudly clad in sarongs of every imaginable design, from vintage batik to modern motifs, from hand-woven heritage pieces to contemporary interpretations.
It was more than just an outfit. The sarong became a moving statement of identity and cultural pride.
The event, themed as a cultural fun run, celebrated the sarong as more than just a piece of traditional clothing.
It became a vibrant symbol of unity, identity and pride for all Malaysians, particularly meaningful in a multicultural state like Sarawak.
Throughout the event space, participants embraced the festival-like atmosphere, taking photos, enjoying cultural music and cheering each other on as they completed the route.
Runners passed through a route set up across Metrocity Matang, which served as both a running track and a cultural stage.
As the run was not timed, participants were invited to take their time soaking in the atmosphere and engaging with the people around them. It was a setting where health, heritage and happiness walked hand in hand.
Participants had the option to take on a 3-kilometre (km) or 5-km route, making the run accessible to everyone, from casual walkers and families with young children to regular runners looking for a cultural twist to their routine.
Before the flag-off, the crowd was led in a lively poco poco warm-up session as energetic children and enthusiastic aunties and uncles swayed in synchrony or at least tried to.
The cheerful presence of participants in sarongs created a unique spectacle rarely seen at a public fitness event.
The Malaysia Sarong Music Run was first introduced in 2022 in Kuala Lumpur by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.
It was envisioned as a creative initiative to promote cultural appreciation alongside health and lifestyle awareness. The combination of a traditional garment with a modern, inclusive fitness event quickly caught the public’s imagination.
In its debut year, the run attracted thousands of participants and drew national attention for its ability to unify Malaysians from various backgrounds.
The idea of running in sarongs was initially playful, but it took on deeper meaning as people began to treat it as a way to express cultural pride and reconnect with their roots.
The success of the Kuala Lumpur edition led to further editions across Peninsular Malaysia, including in states like Perak, Johor and Terengganu.
Each location added its own flavour to the event, often highlighting local heritage elements through the attire of participants and side activities. Over time, the run evolved into a travelling celebration of Malaysian culture.
In 2025, the event came to Sarawak for the very first time, marking a major milestone.
As the first edition in East Malaysia, the Kuching event did more than just extend the geographical reach of the MSMR.
It added new cultural layers. From Iban and Bidayuh patterns to Melanau designs, from Orang Ulu textiles to Malay songket influences, Sarawak’s diverse heritage was woven into the very fabric of the day.
The event was officiated by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who represented the Premier of Sarawak.
He launched the 3-km run with enthusiasm and joined Tupong Assemblyman, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, at the starting line, walking and running alongside hundreds of spirited participants.
The mood was celebratory, cheerful and inclusive. Many came with family members, friends and even entire community groups, treating the event as a way to celebrate not only physical well-being, but also cultural belonging.
Among the crowd was Nor Aqma Shahiedatul, who flew in from Kuala Lumpur with her husband and two young children just to take part in the Kuching edition.
“We joined the programme in KL last year and loved it. When we found out there would be one in Sarawak, it was the perfect opportunity, not just to run, but to connect with my roots,” she said.
Though not a first-time visitor to Kuching , her grandparents live in Kampung Boyan, it was her family’s first time joining the event as participants.
“This is a healthy activity for the family. I want my children to get used to this kind of experience, to feel the joy in cultural celebration and fitness.
“To all the parents out there, join events like this. It’s fun, meaningful and you get beautiful medals too!” she exclaimed.
For Tharmaindran Kgannasin, 45, it was a dual first: his first time in Sarawak and his first time joining the sarong run.
“It’s very exciting. So much fun and very well organised. There’s music everywhere, people from all walks of life, and a beautiful, diverse crowd,” he said, still catching his breath with a wide grin.
He and his partner made the trip from Kuala Lumpur specifically for the Sarawak edition, eager to see how the local ambience would differ.
“The vibe here is special,” he said.
As a seasoned runner, Tharmaindran also gave a special nod to the finisher medals.
“We’ve done many runs, and honestly, this is one of the best-quality medals I’ve received at a fun run. It’s solid, a great souvenir,” he said.
For Zawiyah Amat Ishak, 29, a Kuching native, it wasn’t just a run. It was a proud cultural moment.
Dressed in traditional Melanau attire, Zawiyah turned heads and sparked conversations with her graceful and colourful ensemble.
“This is my first time joining an event like this, and it’s so fun. I discovered it through TikTok, and I knew I had to wear my cultural outfit because I’m proud of being Melanau.
Events like this allow us to promote our identity. I hope this happens more often – it brings the community together and helps showcase our traditional clothes, even to an international audience,” she said with a smile.
Among the many participants were families spanning three generations, including grandparents walking side by side with their grandchildren.
Some wore heirloom sarongs handed down through the years, blending vintage batik with modern flair.
For many, the event was not only about fitness but about honouring the past and passing on traditions in a joyful, public space.
The celebration extended into the evening, followed by a high-energy performance by Malaysian pop rock band Sixth Sense.
As the crowd danced and sang along, the band delivered an electrifying show that brought the cultural celebration to a vibrant close.
With music in the air and sarongs swaying to the rhythm, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run in Sarawak concluded as more than just a fun run. It stood as a heartfelt tribute to Malaysian unity, heritage and the enduring spirit of cultural pride.
