KUCHING (Jan 02): Despite heavy rain, thousands of people gathered at the Kuching Waterfront to ring in the New Year with the ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’ event, which highlighted Sarawak’s vibrant culture and spirit of unity.
The celebration, graced by notable figures such as Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, showcased a unique blend of local performances and cultural exhibitions.
The countdown extravaganza featured an impressive lineup of local talent including I-Cats Performing Arts, Harris Mukhriz, Isz Arfan, Harry Parren Ngau, Darren Jadriel Valentine, Norafizah Buseman, Ng Chien Chien, Roxy Ixzy, Aleysha, and Ryan Zachary Shareef Van Der Horst. Adding to the festivities were skits by Lan Perey and Ashweein Narayanan, bringing laughter to the crowd.
The evening kicked off with an engaging dance performance by Kumpulan Permata Seni from the Sarawak Arts Council, followed by performances from Zeppo Youngsterz and Kinate Dance Group, adding excitement to the celebration. The crowd was also treated to amazing sets by renowned artists Zee Avi from Malaysia and Hetty Koes Endang from Indonesia, who both captivated the audience with their stellar performances.
Though the rain continued to pour, it did little to dampen the festive mood. Families, tourists, and locals alike mingled and celebrated the arrival of 2025 with joy and anticipation. The event was also enriched with sales and exhibition booths offering various goods and refreshments, allowing visitors to enjoy the festivities despite the weather.
This year’s New Year countdown at Kuching Waterfront was a testament to Sarawak’s resilience and unwavering community spirit, drawing people together for a memorable start to the year.