By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Jan 1: The rain falls steadily, a silver curtain draping the night, but it does little to dampen the Sarawakian spirit.
As the clock edges closer to 2025, thousands gathered at the Kuching Waterfront, a beloved venue that has been bustling with activity since as early as 4pm.
Not only Sarawakians but also visitors from other Malaysian states and even neighbouring Indonesia as well as other European tourists have made their way to the iconic spot, eager to be part of the celebration.
Families, friends, and tourists alike stand side by side, armed with colourful ponchos and umbrellas that dot the crowd like a field of blooming flowers.
Some huddled under makeshift shelters, their laughter and chatter spilling into the damp air, but none were willing to leave. The rain, instead of discouraging them, became part of the celebration—a demonstration of their shared resilience and joy.
The festivities began with a diverse lineup of performances featuring local talents such as 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, Siti Hasmah, and Excrozim Band.
Skits by Lan Perey and Ashweein Narayanan added an entertaining flair, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
The official segment opened with a mesmerising dance by Kumpulan Permata Seni from MSS, whose graceful movements captivated the crowd. This was followed by dynamic performances from Zeppo Youngsterz and Kinate Dance Group, their energy lighting up the stage.
The night reached a crescendo when Malaysia’s renowned artiste Zee Avi serenaded the audience, her soulful voice weaving magic into the rain-soaked atmosphere.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the appearance of Indonesian music icon Hetty Koes Endang, affectionately known as Bunda. Her performance, equal parts nostalgic and powerful, left the audience in awe, proving why she was the most anticipated act of the night.
The crowd—a sea of energy, swayed, danced, and sang along, their enthusiasm unwavering regardless of the weather. Children skipped in puddles, their laughter ringing out, while couples huddled close, sharing warmth amidst the cool drizzle.
Every cheer, every clap, and every shared smile echoed the unrelenting spirit of the night—resilient, joyous, and undeterred by borders or the storm.
As midnight drew nearer, anticipation rippled through the air. The rain persisted, but so did the spirit of celebration. Voices began to count down—”Ten, nine, eight…”—growing louder with each second. Umbrellas lowered, hands reached for the skies, and eyes turned upward, waiting.
And when the clock struck twelve, the night exploded in a riot of colours. The fireworks show lasted ten dazzling minutes, and the midnight sky was painted in bursts of gold, red, and blue.
Although the flares soon filled the sky with condensed smoke, making it harder to see the beautiful light show, the crowd stayed, their eyes straining and ears tuned for the final explosion. Even then, most remained, their spirited energy undiminished as the post-show festivities carried on. Cheers erupted, horns blared, and hugs were exchanged as the crowd welcomed 2025 with open arms and hopeful hearts.
In that moment, the rain was no longer a hindrance but a memory etched in time—a symbol of unity, resilience, and the joyous start of a brand-new year.
Gracing the event was Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, attending his first New Year countdown since assuming the position of Sarawak Governor, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
