KUCHING: Sarawak will usher in the new year with a grand countdown at the Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this year's event was themed "Fiesta", featuring performances by renowned artists and a fireworks display.
"Sarawak has achieved so much this year, so it is fitting for us to welcome the new year with a grand celebration," he told a press conference on Friday (Dec 12).
Abdul Karim said Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg would be the guests of honour at the countdown.
The event would begin with a pre-performance segment at 8pm, featuring Sarawakian singers Gabriel Mawat, Ng Chien Chien, Meera Zada, Carrie Geres, Razali Sa’at and Jolly Jengan.
This would be followed by the official ceremony at 10pm, leading up to the countdown at midnight.
Indonesian singer Judika would take to the stage after the countdown, while Malaysian artists KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali and Naqiu would perform earlier.
Abdul Karim said the "Gateway to Sarawak" drone show would also be screened at the countdown event.
He said the show, which features a drone journey from Kuching to Sabah, recently received the Guiness World Record for the longest GPS journey by drone relay.
"This is one of the ways we showcase and promote Sarawak," he added.
