Keretapi Sarong is taking place once again this year (Photo: Keretapi Sarong)
A reenactment of the book signing ceremony on the formation of the country at the Unity Stadium in Kuching this Saturday is expected to be one of the highlights this year's Malaysia Day celebration. But even if you cannot make it to Sarawak's capital, there is still a host of events in Kuala Lumpur to commemorate this national event. Here are some activities to get you started.
Jebat
The Actor’s Studio is gearing up for the biggest production of the year, which unravels the life and tragic death of Hang Jebat. Set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound, this retelling of the classic in English does not revolve solely around the historic Tuah-Jebat duel and the latter’s betrayal, but rather it presents a different point of view of the “anarchist” rebel. Directed by Joe Hasham, Jebat boasts almost 40 performers clad in traditional costumes. It will bring epic silat and mixed martial arts battle scenes to life with the aid of multimedia design and specially composed live music.
Pentas 1, klpac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Kuala Lumpur. Sept 16 to 24, 3pm and 8pm. Purchase tickets at klpac.org.
Malaysiaku by St Regis Kuala Lumpur
First introduced in 2020, this themed dining experience has become a signature annual tradition at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur. The inaugural edition was inspired by Malay proverbs; the hotel’s chefs subsequently drew influence from rituals and traditions surrounding Malay weddings. This year is all about revisiting popular fables that shape the country’s literature such as Puteri Santubong, Kisah Itik Bertelur Emas, Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup and Kisah Tiga Ekor Kambing. Look forward to an elaborate spread prepared with cooking methods and ingredients from 14 states, accompanied by expert storytelling.
Malaysiaku: Culinary Tales of Folklores and Fables, The Brasserie, Level 2. Sept 16, 6pm to 10.30pm. From RM366+ per adult. Book here.
Keretapi Sarong 2023
The annual flash mob that encourages the use of public transport and celebrates the sarong as a traditional fashion and culture made a comeback in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Organising community group Locco (Local Companion) has once again urged fellow Malaysians to put on their favourite sarong, batik apparel or kain pelikat to join the ride, which is in its sixth edition year. Gather at designated stations, including the KL Sentral LRT, Kajang MRT and Putrajaya Sentral KLIA Transit, to meet volunteers who will guide you to the “secret” destination where a host of activities, cultural games and singalong sessions await.
Visit locco.com.my to see all participating train stations.
The Second Link book launch
Despite breaking away from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965, Singapore still shares a unique relationship with our nation, shifting between respect and rivalry. Tales that encapsulate the two countries have been carefully and creatively put together in the anthology The Second Link, which observes and rues our similarities as well as differences. Join the book’s editors — Daryl Lim Wei Jie, Hamid Roslan, Melizarani T Selva and William Tham — in a panel discussion as well as readings from contributing authors, followed by a Q&A session and book signing.
Lit Books, Tropicana Avenue, Petaling Jaya. Sept 16, 8pm. Tickets at RM10. Book ahead at litbooks.com.my.
This article first appeared on Sept 11, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
