By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 23: This year’s countdown event to 2023 will be held at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya instead of the Kuching Waterfront as initially planned, says Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the venue change is in response to the recent call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to scale down such celebrations.
“This kind of year-end event is for us to remember what has happened in the whole year. The current bad weather will not deter us from welcoming 2023. Life and celebration have to go on,” he said.
In terms of crowd expectations, Abdul Karim said the stadium can accommodate up to 3,500 individuals while a huge screen would be set up outside for those who prefer the outdoors.
“Despite all this, the program has not changed, which includes the main highlight of a fireworks display at 12am.
“Well-known Malaysian singers like Dato Awie and Dato Aishah will be leading the entertainers on the night,” he said at a press conference today.
The Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will be the guest-of-honor of the event.
Also present at the press conference was the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee. — Dayakdaily
