Latest news with #Locco
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 lights up MetroCity Matang with 2,500 participants
Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 participants run to the finish line in their sarongs. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 19): The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 (MSMR 2025) made a vibrant debut in Sarawak today at MetroCity Matang, blending culture, music, and fitness in celebration of Sarawak Day. The event drew 2,500 participants across three categories — 10km, 5km, and 3km — all proudly donning sarongs, turning the traditional attire into a symbol of unity, identity, and Malaysian pride. Along the route, runners were treated to cultural checkpoints featuring Dragon and Lion Dance, Gendang Fusion, and traditional performances representing diverse ethnic groups from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, flagged off the run on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In a brief speech, Abdul Karim said the event celebrated Sarawak's rich heritage while promoting community engagement and healthy living. 'This event showcases how our traditions can be celebrated in dynamic ways, uniting people of all backgrounds,' he said. In a statement, the organisers described MSMR 2025 as a cultural fun run — a collaboration between Malaysia Marathon, the federal Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and cultural movement organiser Locco. Locco, known for the iconic Keretapi Sarong movement, brought its signature festive atmosphere, creating an immersive experience enjoyed by participants of all ages. Beyond the run, the event featured a mini carnival with Sarawakian art, creative vendors, family zones, and performances by local talents — turning the day into a full-fledged community celebration. MSMR 2025 was supported by various partners including Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, corporate sponsors, and a range of official and technical partners. Kuching Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 MetroCity Matang
South China Morning Post
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
‘Stamp out cross-dressing': Malaysian sarong event under fire for LGBTQ exclusion
Malaysian cultural festival has come under fire after its organisers said cross-dressers would not be welcome this year, prompting backlash from critics who accuse the event of excluding the LGBTQ community. Advertisement Keretapi Sarong, a flashmob-style event held annually in September, invites participants to wear sarongs and ride public trains in a show of national pride. Since its inception in 2012, the celebration has grown in popularity and even spread abroad, with gatherings held last year in cities including Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam. However, the organisers' recent pledge to prevent 'cross-dressing' at this year's event has sparked criticism from activists and long-time supporters, who say it reflects a broader push to sideline marginalised communities as Malaysia's political climate turns more conservative. In response to online complaints about gender-nonconforming participants at previous events, organiser Locco posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Let us all stamp out cross-dressing! This is a cultural event, [everyone] should be more aware.' The group's position aligned with comments from social media users who said the event should not resemble a pride parade. One user, Mein Mokhtar, wrote: 'If you can't respect the event organiser and can't abide and comply with the rules, then you are not welcome.' 04:41 'Asean's moment is now': Malaysia's Anwar on the bloc's response to AI, tariff challenges 'Asean's moment is now': Malaysia's Anwar on the bloc's response to AI, tariff challenges The comments sparked backlash from members of the public who noted that the queer community had supported Keretapi Sarong long before it gained mainstream popularity.
