KUCHING: Excitement is building as locals and visitors prepare to celebrate the New Year Countdown 2026 in style at Kuching Waterfront.
Scheduled for tonight (Dec 31), the celebration, themed “Feasta”, promises a night full of music, fireworks, laser displays, and the Guinness World Record-recognised Gateway to Sarawak Drone Relay.
The programme will feature local bands, ethnic dance troupes, Sarawakian singers, and popular Malaysian artistes, with a post-midnight concert by Indonesian star Judika.
Sarawak Tribune caught up with some of the attendees, who shared their anticipation.
MUNIRAH ROMI, 31
Officer
After watching the rehearsal, I have high expectations for the New Year’s Countdown and believe it will be an exciting event. I came from Bau with my family, especially my mother, aunt, and children, and we booked a stay at the Waterfront Hotel early so we could fully enjoy the celebration and the New Year vibes. I am especially looking forward to the performances and the fireworks, particularly Judika’s performance, which I am very excited about. For the New Year, my hope is to gain more assets and to continue becoming a better person.
HAIRIK MOHAMMAD RAMLI, 41
Technician
I plan to attend the New Year’s Countdown this year, although I am a little concerned about the weather, especially the possibility of rain. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly. If given the chance, I would really like to watch the fireworks, as I was unable to attend last year. For the New Year, my hope and resolution are that our economy will continue to grow in line with current circumstances, and that we can all live in peace and harmony in the situation we are facing today.
MOHAMMAD ARSYAD RAFI’UDIN, 18
From Brunei Darussalam
I just found out about the New Year’s Countdown here in Kuching, and I’m really excited that it’s happening! I’m on vacation with my family, staying at a hotel in the city until New Year’s, and now I can’t wait to join the celebrations. I’m especially thrilled that Judika and Dayang Nurfaizah will be performing; it’s going to be amazing to see them live. I’m also looking forward to enjoying the Sarawakian vibe, from the fireworks to the lively atmosphere around the city. For the New Year, my hope is to do better than I did this year, study harder, and make the most of every opportunity. I have high expectations for the event and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
WERNER, 66
From Norway
I’m really looking forward to the New Year’s Countdown in Kuching. I’ve heard there will be fireworks, laser displays, and a festive atmosphere, and I’m excited to experience it all firsthand. It will be nice to see people of all ages coming together to celebrate and welcome the New Year. My hope for the New Year is simple but important: to stay healthy, enjoy life, and make the most of every day, especially as I get older. That’s what matters most to me. Celebrating in this lively yet heartwarming Kuching environment feels like the perfect way to start the year.
ARVIN DJIE, 25
From Pontianak
I came here with two friends. For the New Year, I hope to be blessed with more opportunities and good luck. This is our first time celebrating New Year in Malaysia, and we wanted to enjoy the festive vibe. Since it’s nearby, we drove here to join the countdown. We originally planned just a vacation, but after hearing about the celebrations and the fireworks, we got really excited to take part. We arrived two days ago and will stay until January 1, hoping to explore the city a bit more before heading back.
