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Abdul Karim (fifth right) and others holding the poster for the Sarawak Countdown 2026 event, which will take place at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, during the press conference. — Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (Dec 12): Sarawak will showcase its newly certified Guinness World Record for the Longest GPS Journey by Drone Relay during the state’s “Countdown 2026” celebration at the Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event, themed Fiesta, will feature the official launch of the Gateway to Sarawak drone relay project, which recently earned the world record recognition.
“We just got the news two days ago. This Gateway to Sarawak drone relay has been acknowledged by the Guinness World Records. That is one of the ways we advertise and showcase Sarawak,” he told a press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II.
He said the drones travelled from Kuching and made stops in several towns to highlight Sarawak to a global audience.
The record-setting project will be launched during the post-show segment of the celebration.
Abdul Karim said the New Year’s Eve programme will comprise three segments — pre-show, official show and post-show — starting at 8pm.
Local performers Gabriel Mawat, Ng Chien Chien, Meera Zada, Carrie Geres, Razali Sa’at and Jolly Jengan will open the night, followed by Malaysian artistes KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali and Naqiu.
Indonesian star Judika Nalom Abadi Sihotang — known for hits such as Aku Yang Tersakiti, Bagaimana Kalau Aku and Cinta Karena Cinta — will headline the post-countdown concert.
“He (Judika) is a very popular artist. We last brought him here during Borneo Sonic, and he was really entertaining.
“Everybody was so happy, that is why we want to bring him back as he has a very big fan base here,” said Abdul Karim.
Large screens will be set up at Padang Merdeka to accommodate the crowd.
On turnout, Abdul Karim estimated more than 20,000 visitors, potentially rising to 30,000 depending on the weather.
Roads around the Waterfront will be closed from 4pm, while the pedestrian bridge from Petra Jaya will close at 8pm.
Vendors will operate along the stretch from the wharf to the Grand Margherita Hotel, as well as at Padang Merdeka.
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg are expected to attend.
“We have done so much. The state has achieved a lot in 2025. It is only fair that we celebrate 2026 at the end of 2025.
“I would like to invite everyone to come and enliven the ‘Countdown 2026’ at Kuching Waterfront, which is expected to be among the biggest and most exciting New Year celebrations in Sarawak,” he said.
A musical fireworks display will take place at midnight to welcome 2026.
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