KUCHING: The presence of the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, together with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, added warmth and excitement to the Sarawak Countdown 2026 celebration, which took place in a lively atmosphere at the Kuching Waterfront on Wednesday night.
Their arrival at 11.30 pm was accorded full ceremonial honours, reflecting the close bond between the state leadership and the multi-ethnic community who thronged the area to welcome the arrival of the New Year 2026 together.
Despite the rainy weather, the festive spirit remained undiminished.
The Sarawak Governor officiated the countdown ceremony as the clock struck midnight, accompanied by a dazzling display of laser lights and synchronised fireworks that illuminated the night sky over Kuching City.
The symbolic moment encapsulated a strong sense of togetherness and embodied Sarawak’s aspirations to move forward with greater progress, prosperity and unity in the year ahead.
The celebration, themed “Let’s Celebrate Together”, featured a wide array of performances by local and popular artistes, including a special segment highlighting Sarawakian talent, alongside appearances by well-known Malaysian and international performers.
The programme, which began earlier in the afternoon, was designed as an inclusive, safe and family-oriented people’s festival.
Entertainment was provided by Sarawak artistes such as Meerazada, Carrie Geres, Mawat, Chien, Jolly Jengan, Razali and Meruked.
The excitement was further heightened by performances from Malaysian artistes including KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali and Naqiu, as well as popular Indonesian singer Judika, accompanied by Agura Band and traditional dance performances under the supervision of the Sarawak Arts Council.
The departure of Sarawak Governor and his wife after the highlight of the evening marked the close of this year’s celebration, which served not only as a platform for entertainment but also as a meaningful avenue to strengthen unity and reaffirm the state leadership’s commitment to remaining close to the people in a spirit of goodwill.
Also in attendance was Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, representing the Premier of Sarawak, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister-in-Charge of the Sarawak New Year 2026 Celebration Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the spouses of distinguished guests, and heads of departments. -UKASnews
