The atmosphere on the grounds of the Ipoh Railway Station building on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, was one of nostalgia today. It was like going back to the past, to a P.Ramlee classic black and white film. It brought back the memories of the Pak Maun character played by the late Mahmud June in the movie Nasib Do Re Mi.
In conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia Day, hundreds of individuals were dressed in traditional Malay clothing such as kain sarong, baju kurung and some were even fully dressed according to the retro theme.
According to the Founder of Ipoh Social Club, Deena Erissa Delaila Mohd Zawawi, this programme, which was organised for the first time in Perak, by Ipoh Social Club and Locco, is named Sarong Train 2022.
She also said that Ipoh Railway Station, which is over 100 years old, was the best location to gather representatives from the north of Malaysia.
“We made a campaign to attract people’s participation through social media such as Instagram, Facebook and so on. Thank God many people attended. Many present today are not only from Perak but include other states such as Penang and Kedah.
“This event runs simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, and some other selected locations,” she said when met by reporters on Friday.
She said the objective of this programme, where participants are required to wear sarong or retro themed clothes from the 60s to 90s, is to bring back the heritage of the past.
In addition, she said, the dress also symbolises the spirit of unity between races, which is not only worn by certain races, but is inclusive of all.
“We want to unite everyone regardless of race. Sarongs are indeed worn by all races.
“Our activities today include joining the non-governmental organization (NGO) Dapur Jalan Ipoh, to deliver food packs to the homeless,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Sinar Ishak from Tanjung Rambutan was present here to enliven the program.
“I am excited to come here to celebrate Malaysia Day. Before this I was involved in organising the same event in Kuala Lumpur.
“The theme I’m using today is village people like Pak Maun, recalling the 70s and 80s,” he said.
Another participant from Kuala Lumpur, Nur Ruzaini Ruslan came here with her daughter. Nur Ruzaini said that she had participated in the same program several times in Kuala Lumpur.
“I understand it is being organised for the first time in Perak. In my opinion, next year it might be even more lively and crowded, as well as attracting more interest from other nations.
“I feel excited wearing this kind of clothing. My children also want to participate, I feel very happy. My younger brother also has a friend here today,” she said.
The same spirit was shared by Nur Afieqah Ashmawi from Chemor, who attended with her friend from as early as 7.30am.
“I found out about this program from Instagram. The preparations were really last minute. We can also meet new friends from other states, many of whom share the same interest. Tourists who come to this train station can see our culture and traditional clothing,” she said.
by Rosli Mansor
