KOTA KINABALU: A New Year countdown will be marked in Kota Kinabalu City as the state hopes to "amplify" Sabah's presence worldwide.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025 (KKCD25) event was inspired from renowned countdown events like Taipei 101 and Sydney New Year’s Eve.
Among the main highlights is a fireworks display using 1,000 synchronised drones, as well as performances by 17 international artists and bands from Korea, China, Indonesia and Malaysia.
"It will amplify Sabah’s visibility worldwide," he said.
The objective of KKCD25, he said, is to be a trademark event for Sabah in the years to come.
It is also to boost Sabah’s economic activity by leveraging tourism and influx of visitors that creates a ripple effect of economic growth and opportunities across the state, he said.
He said they were targeting both foreign and domestic tourists to join in the celebrations with Malaysians to welcome the New Year 2025 at Dataran Bandaraya along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens here on Dec 31.
He said it is also poised to attract both domestic and international tourists to Sabah, showcasing the state as a premier countdown destination, as well as to foster unity among Malaysians, celebrating diversity regardless of race, religion, or culture.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will join in the New Year's Eve celebrations.
The KKCD25 was open to the public and they would also hold a Flamewave Music Festival which is a ticketed event in collaboration with a private company to mark the New Year countdown celebrations.
“The Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025 is a key aspiration of the Sabah Cabinet and a milestone event for Sabah, blending tradition, creativity and global appeal.
“This is a unified effort by the State Government in collaboration with the private sector and local talents to deliver a world-class celebration.
“Sabah warmly welcomes Malaysians and international visitors to join us on Dec 31 for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration,” he said.
More information can be found on the event website at www.kkcd.asia.
