KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The third edition of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR), held in conjunction with the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration today attracted 15,000 participants, including runners from 26 countries.
Malaysia Marathon president and MSMR founder Eddy Casmady said the event has grown into an international community festival with participation from both local and foreign runners.
“Although this is the first year MSMR is being introduced with three editions held throughout the year, we are very proud that it is not merely a running event, it has now been elevated into an international community festival that promotes Malaysia’s culture and heritage,” he said in a statement today.
The event was officiated by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, together with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Also present was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Held in front of the PETRONAS Twin Towers, the event attracted about 30,000 visitors, establishing MSMR as an inclusive festival that combines elements of healthy living, traditional attire, food, music, and Malaysian unity.
MSMR is supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC), with JETOUR Malaysia as the main sponsor and official car partner and featured three main events - the EKI JETOUR X BSC relay race with sarong as a sash held on Sept 9; the Malaysia Speed 5 km race (5KMS) open only to Malaysians, held today; and the 5 km fun run open to all, including foreign tourists.
The event also serves as an inclusive international tourism platform, in line with MOTAC’s efforts to promote Visit Malaysia 2026, further elevating MSMR on the global stage.
Eddy said the use of sarong as the main element of the event fostered intergenerational togetherness, especially among family members who joined the run together.
“We saw a sea of people wearing sarong, a traditional attire well known in Malaysia, at MSMR in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2025. This reflects the value of unity among the participants,” he said.
MSMR was first introduced in February in Kuala Lumpur with 11,000 participants, while the second edition, held in Matang, Kuching, in Sarawak, drew more than 5,500 participants and about 20,000 visitors.
-- BERNAMA
