Countdown 2024 to feature Southeast Asia’s tallest flagpole inauguration

KUCHING: The New Year Countdown 2024 celebration on Dec 31 at Waterfront Kuching will witness the inauguration of Southeast Asia’s tallest flagpole by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Despite initial discontentment expressed on social media regarding the flagpole’s construction, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted its transformation into an iconic landmark and a source of pride for Sarawak and its citizens.

“It has become an iconic landmark in Kuching. When foreigners visit here, they will always make it a point to come to the Waterfront and take photos with it as the background,” he said at a press conference here today (Dec 13).

The “Countdown 2024” event promises day-long special performances around the Waterfront, leading up to the grand celebration at midnight.

“The highlight will be a ‘Musical Fireworks’ display when the clock strikes midnight, followed by performances from renowned artists, including Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Hael Husaini, Floor 88, and De Fam.”

A variety of activities are scheduled from 8am to 6pm, ranging from Aerobics-Senior Gymnastics to the Sarawak Malay Drum Performance from Kampung Telaga Air, providing a diverse and engaging experience for attendees.

On the night of Dec 31, the celebration will unfold with a pre-performance segment at the Godown Amphitheatre, featuring instrumental music by local buskers.

Segment One will showcase performances by the Kinate Dance Group and singing performances from local Sarawakian artists, including Firdaus Matrang, Raquel Then, Richmond Allan Morshidi, Bob Yunus and Karen Libau, alongside the Panggau Libau 2 group from Sri Aman.

Segment Two will feature a performance by students from the Sarawak Art Council’s Art Guidance Class and Dion Das Louis.