[VIDEO] Thousands in awe as fireworks illuminate Kuching’s sky to welcome 2024

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 1: Thousands of people huddled together beneath an illuminated sky at Kuching Waterfront here to welcome 2024 in style with a breathtaking fireworks display last night (Dec 31) organised by the Sarawak government.

Good weather bolstered the celebratory mood with some members of the public seen making themselves comfortable on the ground as if sitting for a picnic.

As the emcees led the midnight countdown, many of those present held their mobile phones up to capture photos and videos of the moment.

As soon as the clock struck midnight, a rapid series of exploding fireworks illuminated the dark blue sky, against a backdrop of a colorful lighting display from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building and the newly-launched ‘Ibu Pertiwi’ flagpole across the river, creating a picture-perfect view.

The 21-minute fireworks display left spectators in awe.

The crowd seen holding up mobile phones to take photos and videos of the 2024 New Year Countdown event held at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023.

Colorful boats at the 2024 New Year Countdown event at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

Themed ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’, the 2024 New Year Countdown event featured several performance segments beginning as early as 6.30pm as part of the countdown festivities.

Highlights of the concert include performances by two of Malaysia’s legendary vocalists Datuk Amy Search and Dato’ Zainal Abidin.

Datuk Amy Search interacts with fans during the 2024 New Year Countdown event held at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

Dato’ Zainal Abidin performs his song titled “Damai” at the 2024 New Year Countdown event at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023.

The Sarawak government also flew in famous singers from outside Sarawak namely Hael Hussaini, Floor 88 band and girl group De Fam.

The concert also featured local talents namely Bob Yunus, Karen Libau, Firdaus Materang, Raquel Then and Richmond Allan Morshidi.

The beautiful Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) building and Ibu Pertiwi Flagpole photographed during the 2024 New Year Countdown event at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

Abang Johari (front row, left) and other distinguished guests photographed during the official launch of the Ibu Pertiwi flagpole at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

At the same time, the event also witnessed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiating the ‘Ibu Pertiwi’ glagpole—the tallest flagpole in Southeast Asia and Malaysia at a height of 99-metres.

Amongst those present were Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang; Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Members of the public sitting on the ground during the 2024 New Year Countdown event held at Kuching Waterfront on Dec 31, 2023.

— DayakDaily