KUCHING: Preparations for the New Year Countdown 2026 at Kuching Waterfront are nearly complete, with final touches being made to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration tonight (Dec 31).
A survey by Sarawak Tribune found that preparations for the main stage, sound system, and lighting are already in place, while New Year-themed city decorations have also been installed to create a more festive atmosphere.
Additional LED screens at the Waterfront and Padang Merdeka have been set up to ensure the public can enjoy the performances comfortably.
Visitors can look forward to a variety of local food and beverage stalls operating throughout the night, providing not only a chance to enjoy Sarawakian flavours but also opportunities for small vendors to earn extra income.
Meanwhile, several roads around the area are ready to be closed and will be managed in stages to ensure smooth visitor movement.
Visitors are encouraged to carpool and park away from the Waterfront, which will be closed from 4 pm to reduce congestion and facilitate crowd control.
With all preparations nearly complete, the city is set to host a variety of exciting activities for both locals and tourists, making Kuching Waterfront the main focal point for welcoming the new year.
A rehearsal of the main stage on Monday confirmed that all performances and technical arrangements are running smoothly, ensuring the celebration will proceed seamlessly.
The dry run was held to ensure that the official celebration will proceed without any hitches.
Present at the rehearsal was Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also responsible for the event, overseeing all aspects of the preparation.
This included checking that artiste performances, fireworks, and other entertainment segments were in order.
The rehearsal also featured a laser and fireworks display, as well as a special performance set to be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, ensuring that the event will be both spectacular and memorable.
The event will feature three main segments, pre-show, official segment, and post-show, running from 8 pm until around 2 am.
Each segment will include exciting performances by local and regional artistes.
Various stage performances will involve local and international artistes, as well as cultural groups.
Notable performers include Judika, KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali, and Naqiu, alongside Mawat, Ng Chien Chien, Meera Zada, Carrie Geres, Razali Sa’at, and Jolly Jengan.
The New Year Countdown is expected to attract thousands of visitors from within and outside Sarawak, boosting Kuching’s tourism sector.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the launch of the “Gateway To Sarawak” drone show, recently recognised by Guinness World Records for its long GPS journey.
This, along with the much-anticipated midnight fireworks display, is expected to captivate attendees and light up the Kuching midnight sky, marking the start of 2026 in spectacular fashion.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is expected to attend along with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and other state leaders.
