Sarawak to unveil SE Asia’s tallest flagpole in New Year countdown

Sarawak is set to welcome the New Year in style with an extravagant countdown celebration at the Kuching Waterfront on December 31, featuring a lineup of concerts, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced today that the event will mark the inauguration of the country’s tallest flagpole, adding a new iconic landmark to Kuching’s skyline.

The 99-meter flagpole, the tallest in Southeast Asia, stands near the Sarawak Legislative Assembly building and will be officially launched by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg just before the countdown festivities commence. Minister Abdul Karim addressed some initial criticism regarding the project’s reported cost of RM30 million, emphasizing that the entire endeavor was funded by the private sector as part of corporate social responsibility, with no financial burden on the state government.

“Despite the initial skepticism, the flagpole has become a source of pride for Sarawak. It will stand as an iconic backdrop for photos and symbolize the spirit of unity and progress,” said Abdul Karim during a press conference.

A Spectacular Lineup of Local and National Talent

The New Year’s Eve celebration will kick off with daytime arts and cultural activities, showcasing local talent, including dance groups and singers such as Firdaus Matrang, Raquel Then, Richmond Allan Morshidi, Bob Yunus, and Karen Libau. As night falls, the waterfront will come alive with concerts featuring renowned national artists such as Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Zainal Abidin, Hael Husaini, Floor 88, and De Fam.

“We want to bid farewell to 2023 with a bang, celebrating the joy this year has brought us and looking forward to the promises of the coming year,” Abdul Karim stated.

Let’s Celebrate Together

The Sarawak New Year Countdown 2024 and the Inauguration of the Sarawak Flagpole are themed ‘Let’s Celebrate Together.’ Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, will grace both events on December 31, 2024.

The day will begin with activities like “Senamrobik-Senam Kenyalang,” “Fiesta Karaoke Rakyat,” arts exhibitions, and performances by Gendang Melayu Sarawak, Kelas Bimbingan Seni Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS), Yayasan Perpaduan/POTRES, and Simfoni Orkestra Negeri Sarawak (SONS) Junior at the Kuching Waterfront from 8 AM to 6 PM.

The evening will see local talents taking the stage before Festival Kesenian Sarawak 2023 finalist, Panggau Libau 2 from Sri Aman, and Malaysia’s renowned artists deliver performances during the Countdown 2024 event.

For those eager to witness the historic Inauguration of the Sarawak Flagpole and the lively New Year Countdown for 2024, it is advised to plan early and head to the Kuching Waterfront on December 31, 2023.