Sarawak to unveil Guinness World Records milestone at Countdown 2026

KUCHING (Dec 26): Sarawak is set to usher in 2026 with a historic milestone following the announcement of a Guinness World Records (GWR) achievement, according to the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

The achievement marks a magical journey spanning major landmarks across Sarawak.

The official GWR announcement will be unveiled during Countdown 2026 at the Kuching Waterfront on New Year’s Eve, positioning Sarawak firmly on the global stage as it prepares to welcome the world in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.

Recognised worldwide as the definitive authority on record-breaking achievements, GWR provides independent verification and global credibility to milestones achieved across countries, industries and cultures.

“Achieving a GWR title places Sarawak among an international community of record-holders, reinforcing the state’s international standing while celebrating a moment of collective pride for its people,” said STB in a statement.

The record-setting journey traversed Sarawak’s diverse landscapes.

Beyond its technological achievement, the initiative stands as a powerful symbol of Sarawak’s scale, connectivity and ambition, reinforcing its positioning as the Gateway to Borneo, said the board.

“This achievement goes beyond setting a world record. It reflects Sarawak’s readiness to lead with bold ideas, innovation and confidence as we step into 2026,” said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

He added: “Announcing this GWR on New Year’s Eve is a strong signal of the momentum Sarawak is building as we prepare to welcome global travellers.”

The GWR announcement will be a meaningful moment of pride for Sarawakians during Countdown 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.

The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a curated line-up of local, national and international performances, culminating in a midnight musical fireworks display, symbolising Sarawak’s confident and ambitious entry into the new year.

“As Sarawak counts down to 2026, the GWR achievement represents a defining milestone in the state’s tourism journey; demonstrating how innovation, storytelling and scale can converge to create a compelling global narrative rooted in Sarawak’s identity as the Gateway to Borneo,” STB added.