KUCHING: Sarawak has ushered in the new year with a celebration at the Kuching Waterfront, drawing over 10,000 revelers who braved the rain to witness the grand spectacle.
The city’s iconic landmarks, including the Darul Hana Bridge and the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Building, were illuminated by a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.
Despite the rain, the celebration painted the night sky, embodying the theme ‘Countdown 2025: Let’s Celebrate Together’ and leaving the crowd in awe as they welcomed the new year in unforgettable fashion.
Earlier, the festivities began at 8 am with the vibrant daytime energy transitioning into an electrifying evening of entertainment, hosted by Fir Affandi, Reazza Ali, and Sharifah Elya, with skits by Lan Perey and Ashweein Narayanan adding to the charm of the celebration.
At 10 pm, Kuching Waterfront, brimming with revelers, became the focal point of the celebration as Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi arrived at the event.
Just moments earlier, at 9.55 pm, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, had made their entrance.
The evening continued with the national anthem Negaraku and Ibu Pertiwiku, followed by a captivating opening performance by Permata Majlis Seni Sarawak.
This was complemented by the New Year address from Abang Johari, Wan Junaidi, and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, all presented through a video montage by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
Organised by Abdul Karim’s ministry and supported by the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS), the countdown features an eclectic lineup of local talents, including Zee Avi, I-Cats Performing Arts, Harris Mukhriz, Isz Arfan, Harry Parren Ngau, Darren Jadriel Valentine, Norafizah Buseman and more.
Still drizzling rain did not dampen the spirit of the revelers, as the event continued, building up to the final highlight as the countdown to midnight where Indonesia’s legendary Hetty Koes Endang captivated the audience with her iconic hits ‘Berdiri Bulu Romaku,’ ‘Kasih,’ and more.
At midnight, a fireworks display lit up the Kuching skyline, enhanced by the dramatic natural effect of the rain.
The event continued into the early hours of 2025 with performances by Akim & The Majistret and a local Sarawak band.
