KUCHING: Ask anyone what plans they will be having for New Year’s Eve and you will get more than just a peek, you will get a window into what matters most to them.
For some, it is about gathering every person they love under one roof.
For others, it is an intimate night with their closest friends and family members; and for a growing number, it is about spending those final hours of the year entirely alone.
This New Year’s Eve, some shared what the stroke of midnight means to them.
For Aina Yusreen Samsuri, 24, an administrative assistant, she plans to spend the time with family and close friends at home.
“I look forward to spending time with my loved ones, enjoying each other’s company while sharing good food together. Maybe we’ll play some board games or watch the New Year’s Eve concert on TV,” she said.
Aina recalls the year 2025 has had its ups and downs in her life, but she acknowledges it as part of her growth as a person.
“2025 was definitely a roller coaster, but I learnt a lot of lessons and new perspectives entering the adulthood phase.
“I’m hoping to carry those experiences into 2026 along with more blessings, more wisdom and hopefully some exciting new adventures while learning to enjoy life a little better.
Asked about her wish for 2026, Aina paused before coming up with a simple message.
“I wish everyone good health, especially to my grandmother and happy holidays.”
For Muhd Harith Farhan, 23, a student, he is eager to spend the end of year with the family after months of living by himself.
“Due to my internship, I had to live far away from my parents. However, it served as a good experience for me to be independent and manage my own finances,” he said.
Studying at University of Technology Sarawak, he believes that family time is equally important as work and other things.
“Family time is not something easily replaceable, and probably much more important than work itself. We don’t have much time in this world, so spend it with people who are important to you.
Farhan hopes that 2026 will bring new opportunities to him and the family.
“I hope that next year will be full of blessings not just for me, but my family as well. I think it’s about time for me to give it back to my family. Here’s to another year being wiser and more mature to face the future,” he added.
For Muhamad Azhan Fikry Yusop, 28, self-employed, he plans to take it easy as the year comes to an end.
“For now, I don’t really have any plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Cities such as Kuching and Miri might have grand celebrations of New Year’s Eve; however, here in my hometown, it’s a different scene entirely.
“Everyone here is so laid-back. So, I might as well have a peaceful closure to the year as well.”
Hailing from Matu, Azhan agrees that holidays are time to reconnect with families and close friends.
“As usual, a lot of people would spend more time with their families and friends at this time of year. Such opportunities shouldn’t go to waste.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting my family and friends during the holidays. Any other days would be difficult for us to meet each other due to life constraints.”
When asked about New Year, for Azhan it stands for new opportunities in life.
“Hence it is only appropriate to renew our goals and dreams in every new year. I, myself would like to improve and upgrade to be a better person compared to the previous years.”
“I hope that the year 2026 brings more chances and opportunities to ourselves, families and communities.”
For Naem Mubarak, 29, analyst, this New Year’s Eve checks out as another day in his life.
“I don’t really have many plans for the New Year’s Eve since I will be working on the day itself.
“I’d rather have a small celebration in the office, away from the crowds and being stuck in a traffic jam,” he said.
“But if I had the option, I would like to just keep it simple by spending my time at home with the family and loved ones,” he said when asked if he has the chance to celebrate the New Year’s Eve.
“Life constraints made it difficult for us to gather. So, I will cherish every moment that I get to spend with them.
He wishes to have his own time to reminisce the passing year and look back at what he has achieved and endured throughout the year.
“This would be the day for me to give a pat on my back just for surviving this year.”
His resolution for New Year stays the same as before. “I hope to be better not just for me but to the world and those around me.”
Like many young adults navigating the realities of working life, Naem feels like there are many things that can weigh him down. Despite all that, he admitted that he felt proud of his growth right now.
