KUCHING: The New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration is meant for everyone to enjoy and welcome the new year, said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Asked on the national Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MoTAC)’s decision to hold the New Year’s Eve 2025 Countdown celebration in Sibu, he said it is a great move to do so.
“At the very least, the people in Sibu can enjoy the countdown celebration if they could not come to the countdown celebration here at the Waterfront Kuching.
“However, if MoTAC chose to do the countdown celebration in Batu Kawa or in Tabuan, of course I would object.
“What is the point of having two New Year’s Eve countdown celebration in the same city (Kuching) right. But since it is being held in Sibu, I would say it is good,” he said when met by reporters after attending premier of ‘Dreamweaver: The Musical’ at Auditorium, Old Courthouse here on Wednesday (Dec 11).
On the New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration here, Abdul Karim hopes that this year’s event will be as lively as previous ones.
“With a line-up of outstanding singers and a firework display throughout the event, I believe it will be exciting.
“We can only pray that the weather on that night (Dec 31) will be good.
“So to the people of Kuching, Bau, Lundu, and Samarahan, come in large numbers to enliven the New Year’s Eve celebration of 2025,” he added.
Recent reports said for the first time ever, Sibu Jaya will be the venue for MoTAC’s New Year 2025 countdown.
Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said it is the highlight of activities which will take place at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre, from this Dec 27 to 31, where the organiser is expecting a turnout of some 10,000 participants.
Themed ‘Sibu Carnival: Celebrating 2025 Together’, the event is hailed as a ‘grand cultural carnival’.
“This time, the celebration will be an unforgettable experience, blending cuisines, culture and entertainment that showcase Sarawak’s rich multicultural heritage.
“We plan to feature around 100 stalls (subject to space availability), offering a wide array of delicacies representing the Malay, Iban, and Chinese communities.
“The allocation will be 30 per cent for Malay vendors, 30 per cent for Iban vendors, 30 per cent for Chinese vendors, and the remaining 10 per cent for other communities. This reflects our commitment to inclusivity and cultural harmony,” he said.
