Skies over the Sabah capital lit up to welcome the new year. — Photos: Courtesy of Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
THE streets of downtown Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, were a sea of people drenched to their bones when a downpour hit the thousands of celebrants waiting to welcome the year 2025.
Nothing could douse their spirits, though, as they danced and partied to music by local and international artistes as well as invited deejays, hours before the clock struck midnight.
Their spirits remained high despite the chilly rain, which also brought about winds.
“No big deal, we came prepared with umbrellas,” said a group of teenagers who had been at the waterfront venue since 5pm to witness the first-ever concert-scale New Year countdown event organised by the state government.
There were also many revellers wearing raincoats.
(From right) Hajiji and Phoong with other guests at Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025.
Entertaining the massive crowd were performances ranging from songs and dances by artistes such as Sabah’s queen of dance Stacy Anam, local legendary singer Datuk Francis Landong, Marsha Milan, Velvet Aduk, Bella Astillah, Ryan.B from China and Suho from South Korea.
A TikTok user known as Victoria shared how she and a friend spent their New Year in Kota Kinabalu instead of Kuala Lumpur as they originally planned.
“The fireworks display was amazing, I was very surprised and I am glad that I came to Kota Kinabalu,” she posted.
Fortunately, the skies cleared about 15 minutes before the new year to be lit up by a 12-minute fireworks display leading to the first stroke of midnight in 2025.
Present at the countdown was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor among other state leaders and dignitaries.
Marsha showing off her powerful voice during the concert.
Kota Kinabalu Countdown 2025 organising chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said an estimated 20,000 people attended the event.
“Despite the rain, their enthusiasm never wavered,” he said, and also thanked the state for giving him the opportunity to host the grand event.
He said the goal was to make Kota Kinabalu’s countdown celebration the best in the region so that in future, visitors would think of this small city when they planned their next new year trip.
Partygoers enjoying the entertainment in the run-up to the new year.
“We aim for the world to see our unique harbour fireworks display, just as they flock to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour or Sydney’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration,” said Phoong.
He believes this is achievable although there is much room for improvement.
