KUCHING: The new year’s countdown event to 2023 which is initially scheduled to take place at the Kuching Waterfront has its venue changed to Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the decision to have the venue change was in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to reduce such celebrations following the flood incident in the country.
“After receiving advice and views from the Sarawak government, this celebration will continue but on a smaller scale and the location of the celebration will also be changed,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.
Abdul Karim also said that normally, such year-end events are organised for the people to remember what have happened throughout the year.
“Recently, other parts of Malaysia are also facing flooding and not only in Sarawak. However, the current bad weather is not an obstacle for us to welcome the New Year 2023. Life and celebration must also go on,” he said
With the celebration changed to Stadium Perpaduan, Abdul Karim said the stadium can only accommodate up to between 3,000 and 3,500 individuals.
“Apart from that, a big screen will also be outside the venue and at the Festival Square for celebrants to watch from outside,” he said.
He added TVS and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) are going to stream the event live.
“The other events planned for the celebration themed ‘Let’s Celebrate Together’ are the same and no changes have been made,” he said, while adding that there will also be fireworks displays.
The new year countdown event will start in the morning with multiple events such as musical performances and performing arts displays, followed by the evening highlights that will see performances from Zeppo Youngsterz, and popular Malaysian artistes like Datuk Awie and Datuk Wan Aishah Wan Ariffin.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is also expected to be guest of honour at the event.
Also present at the press conference was the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee.
