Thousands throng Kuching Waterfront to usher in New Year 2026
- BT
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 1 January 2026: Despite the constant rain, the 2026 State-Level New Year Countdown saw thousands turning it up at the Kuching Waterfront, ushering in the new year with a grand concert, fireworks show and even a Guinness World Record!
Crowds gathered along the iconic waterfront on the night of 31 December 2025 to witness Countdown 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP). The celebration featured over 10 performances by leading local, national, and international artistes, culminating in a breathtaking musical fireworks display as the clock struck midnight.
The event was graced by the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, representing the Premier of Sarawak, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as well as Minister for Works Malaysia, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The programme featured a series of performances by Malaysia’s celebrated artistes KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali, and Naqiu, alongside showcases highlighting Sarawak’s creative talents through traditional dances, contemporary performances, and live sets by popular local artistes, including Meera Zada, Carrie Geres, Mawat, Chien, Jolly Jengan, Razali, Meruked and Agura Band. The celebrations continued after midnight with an exclusive post-concert performance by internationally acclaimed Indonesian singer Judika, extending the festive atmosphere into the early hours of the new year.
The successful staging of Countdown 2026 and the Guinness World Record milestone not only marked a proud moment for Sarawak but also left behind a lasting legacy of visual assets and global storytelling that will continue to promote the state throughout Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond.
“Throughout 2025, we witnessed clear progress in socio-economic development that brought prosperity to the people. In terms of infrastructure, over 1,000km of new and upgraded roads have been completed, and with major sections of the Pan Borneo Highway now completed, travel between regions in Sarawak is made safer and faster, further unlocking the potential for economic growth in both urban and rural areas,” said Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg in a televised video message.
In his speech, the Premier also shared that the Sarawakian people’s quality of life has also been improved through clean water supply, electricity and Internet coverage, while digital transformation is being driven by world-class data centres, the use of AI and cloud, as well as efficient and user-friendly e-government systems.
To ensure that Sarawakians enjoy a well-rounded growth, the development of human capital is at the core of our progress, and with the implementation of the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme from 2026 onwards, as well as existing TVET training and scholarship provisions, more Sarawakians will get to enjoy access to quality education without financial constraints.
” To ease the burden of living costs, the Sarawak Government will continue to implement the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) with a higher allocation of RM640 million in 2026, to ensure that the well-being of households continues to be maintained,” he added. “The unity within Sarawakians remain our main strength. While progress can be built with technology and capital, the state’s real strength is found in the hearts of its united people.”
“2026 marks the beginning of a significant phase towards Sarawak’s journey of being a developed region in 2030, with focus on a high-impact economy and future infrastructure development. My deepest appreciation goes towards the people of Sarawak for their cooperation throughout 2025, and may this spirit be brought forward in 2026 with even greater determination,” he concluded.
With fireworks lighting up the Kuching skyline and history etched into the global record books, Sarawak welcomed the new year with confidence, creativity, and a renewed commitment to positioning itself as one of Asia’s most compelling destinations.
