Countdown to 2024, Sarawak to launch nation's tallest flagpole

The country's tallest flagpole near the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex will be officially launched during the New year countdown celebration. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: Sarawak will usher in the new year with a grand countdown celebration featuring concerts and fireworks at the Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event would also see the launch of the country's tallest flagpole, located near the Sarawak Legislative Assembly building opposite the Waterfront.

"This flagpole will be another landmark for Kuching. It will be launched by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg just before the countdown.

"Although there was some criticism, I believe the flagpole is now a source of pride. It will be an iconic backdrop for photos by the locals and visitors," he told a press conference here on Wednesday (Dec 13).

Abdul Karim said the flagpole was funded by the private sector as corporate social responsibility, the state government did not incur any cost.

The 99m flagpole is four metres taller than the one at the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

On the New Year's Eve celebration, Abdul Karim said arts and cultural activities would be held in the daytime, followed by concerts at night.

Ahead of the countdown, there will be performances from local dance groups and singers including Firdaus Matrang, Raquel Then, Richmond Allan Morshidi, Bob Yunus and Karen Libau.

"After the countdown, there will be a fireworks display and another concert by national artistes such as Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Hael Husaini, Floor 88 and De Fam.

"We want to leave 2023 with a bang as the year has brought much cheer to us and we look forward to the new year," Abdul Karim said.