Preparations on track for 2026 New Year Countdown at Kuching Waterfront

KUCHING (Dec 30): Preparations for the 2026 New Year Countdown at the Kuching Waterfront are on track, following a full rehearsal at the main stage last night.

The rehearsal was held to ensure the smooth running of the main celebration scheduled for tomorrow night, which is expected to be graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, who is also Minister-in-Charge of the celebration, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, was present during the rehearsal to oversee final preparations, including artiste performances, fireworks displays and other planned attractions.

Speaking to the media, Abdul Karim said organisers had informed him that preparations were progressing smoothly without any major issues.

He expressed hope that weather conditions would be favourable, allowing the public to enjoy the annual event, which traditionally draws large crowds.

“We think that if the weather is good, in addition to entertainment performances by well-known artistes brought in, there could be tens of thousands of people gathering at the Waterfront area,” he said, as cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report.

Abdul Karim also advised members of the public attending the countdown celebration to consider carpooling to help ease traffic congestion around the Kuching Waterfront.

He further encouraged the public to park their vehicles farther away from the Waterfront to ensure smoother traffic flow in the vicinity.

The 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration will feature Indonesian singer Judika, Malaysian artiste Dayang Nurfaizah, as well as other invited performers, including local artists.

In addition, a laser fireworks display and a fireworks show are planned, along with a special performance that is expected to be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.