Kuching asked to host New Year countdown

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Abdul Karim (front, fourth left) officially closes the 10th Satok Fest with an event gimmick.

KUCHING: Kuching City should consider hosting its own New Year countdown celebration as part of efforts to make the city more liveable.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said New Year’s Eve in Kuching has been rather quiet in recent years.

“I have observed this and have informed the mayors of Kuching, in which we never seem to have something on for New Year’s Day, and that we always miss the countdown. Kuching in these two, three years has been rather quiet on this matter as there weren’t any  (events) going on. Maybe it could consider having a fireworks display like in Hong Kong or Dubai,” he said when representing Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg at the 10th Satok Fest closing ceremony on Sunday.

Abdul Karim pointed out that in Miri, New Year’s Eve celebrations have become anticipated events.

He said such events could involve many other activities to attract local and foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the Satok Fest has immensely helped young entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, as well as showcased the area’s heritage and culture.

“This is our city and it is our responsibility to do a lot of good things to the city. I’ve always believed that in a city there should be a lot of neon lights and activities in making the city liveable,” he said.