KUALA LUMPUR — Approximately 20,000 participants took part in the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2026, an event aimed at promoting health and cultural pride, held on Sunday around the Kuala Lumpur city centre. The run, which featured 3-kilometer and 5-kilometer routes, commenced outside the PETRONAS Twin Towers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the event, encouraging Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds to engage in healthy activities while celebrating national identity. “Thank you to all Malaysians, young and old, men and women, who are motivated to take care of their health and our beloved country. Let’s run in sarongs together,” he said before flagging off the race.

Participants were required to wear at least one piece of sarong during the run, underscoring the event’s emphasis on cultural heritage. The run was inaugurated with a lively march led by a group carrying a large Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia’s national flag, followed by the mass of runners.

Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Notably, singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin participated by leading the pledge prior to the start of the run.

Beyond the race, attendees were able to enjoy stalls featuring local cuisine and products, as well as a lineup of musical and cultural performances designed to highlight Malaysia’s diverse heritage. To facilitate the event, authorities temporarily closed key roads near the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang areas.

The Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2026 combined physical activity with cultural celebration, drawing large crowds to the heart of Kuala Lumpur in a festive atmosphere marked by national pride and community spirit.