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- A splendid fireworks display lights up the midnight skyline of Sibu.
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- PEEKABOO: ‘Bubu the Crocodile’, the mascot of Sibu Visit Year 2017, prancing on stage with children during Countdown 2017 and Opening Ceremony of VSY 2017 at Sibu Town Square Phase I on Saturday night. Bubu was embraced with loud cheers from those present. — Photo by Othman Ishak
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- The rain did not dampen the huge crowd from attending Countdown 2017.
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- A group of dancers posing with Bubu, the Sibu Visit Year 2017 mascot.
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- Winners of the Christmas Tree competition posing with Tiong (standing eighth left) and other VIPs.
SIBU: Thousands met tourism mascot ‘Bubu the Crocodile’ when a countdown at Sibu Town Square rang in 2017 as ‘Visit Sibu Year’ amidst a rich tapestry of cultural sounds and sights, and splendour of fireworks on Saturday night.
The VIPs included Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh as the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) held the countdown to the New Year, ushering the town into a year of colourful events where townsfolk will welcome visitors in their tradition of warm hospitality.
Bubu – a combination of two words ‘Sibu’ and ‘Bujang’ the Dayak legendary warrior – was well embraced with loud cheers when the croc pranced around with children on stage in a re-enactment of last March when the mascot was launched. The green mascot represents the friendly warrior that guards and bless Rajang River basin where its people bask in the beauty of ethnic diversity.
The tourism mascot also represents the unspoilt natural beauty of the Sibu hinterland where the reptile has ruled the lush tropical rainforest from time immemorial.
In a celebration that started at 7.30pm, the momentum at 9.30pm peaked with the gathering crowds, until the countdown of fireworks in the clear, night sky rang out 2016 and ring in 2017 at midnight.
The thrills of the night included the performances of Hwai An Orchestra, SMK Methodist Choir, Borneo Talent Award winners, a cultural warrior dance performed with wushu, silat and ngajat to represent the harmony of Sarawak and others.
Also present were Datin Sri Pauline Leong, SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, SMC deputy chairman Rogayah Jermain, Kapitan Connie Loh, Temenggung Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee.