KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia ushered in 2026 with spectacular fireworks illuminating the skies and a host of spiritual activities across the country.
A Bernama check found that Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur were among the main focal points for New Year celebrations in the federal capital, with their surroundings illuminated by colourful pyrotechnics.
Held in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival marked the official launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
The event, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, showcased a spectacular blend of pyromusical fireworks, laser projections and 3D anamorphic visuals, alongside performances by renowned artistes including Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans and KLP48.
Meanwhile, Rhythm of KLCC 2026 at the Esplanade KLCC came alive as thousands of visitors gathered to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display, the spectacular “tower light” show, and captivating performances by Malaysia’s top artistes, including Datuk Zainal Abidin, Misha Omar, Hafiz Suip, Nikki Palikat, Joe Flizzow and Sonaone.
In PUTRAJAYA, the Putra Mosque was filled with a spiritual ambience as thousands joined the Gema Syukur 2026 Programme, taking part in Yasin and Doa Selamat recitations, tadabbur al-Quran, the podcast Membina Ummah Rahmah and Selawat Munajat to usher in the New Year.
At midnight, prayers and selawat marked the arrival of 2026, providing worshippers with a calm and reflective alternative celebration grounded in spiritual values.
In MELAKA, over 40,000 visitors attended the 2026 New Year’s Eve celebration at Encore Melaka, Klebang, which coincided with the launch of Visit Melaka Year 2.0 and the Diamond Jubilee of the Special Service Regiment.
The vibrant ceremony, graced by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, showcased a range of acts, including a zapin performance by 1,000 dancers and a special segment by the Special Service Regiment.
During the ceremony, National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was named Melaka Art and Culture Icon, composer and songwriter Mohd Fauzi Mohammad, known as Siso, was awarded Melaka Traditional Arts Empowerment Figure, while Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador Datuk Fan Bingbing received the Melaka International Cultural Diplomacy Icon award.
In PERAK, over 30,000 visitors gathered at the Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout in Meru Raya, Ipoh, from 8 pm for the state-level New Year celebration, attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, featuring a countdown, New Year chants and a spectacular fireworks display.
The celebration kicked off with cultural dance and singing performances by popular artistes, including Siti Nordiana and Afieq Hazwan, and was hosted by Fadzli Fuad, better known as Ahfad.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, more than 20,000 visitors flocked to Dataran Nilai from 6 pm to take part in the New Year’s celebration, which featured concerts, nasyid performances and lucky draws.
The ceremony was also graced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, who officiated the closing of NS Fest, a 12-day-long event at the venue, before a fireworks display of more than 10 minutes concluded the New Year’s Eve celebration.
In KELANTAN, nearly 5,000 visitors joined Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and state executive council members for the Isyak prayers and Solat Sunat Hajat, followed by the recitation of Quranic verses and selawat for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The event at Dataran Warisan, Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, Kota Bharu, was enlivened by the presence of renowned preacher Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin Al Hamid.
In SARAWAK, rain in Kuching did not dampen the spirit of thousands of Sarawakians and tourists who turned out for the state-level New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration. The highlight of the evening was a vibrant fireworks display along Kuching Waterfront.
Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and other state government leaders attended the event.
Crowds began gathering at Kuching Waterfront as early as 4 pm to enjoy a range of entertainment, including performances by local and international artistes such as KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, and Indonesian star Judika.
In TERENGGANU, New Year’s Eve 2026 was marked by spiritual activities through the ‘Malam Munajat Terengganu’ programme, held at the State Sports Complex.
In KEDAH, over 10,000 visitors flocked to Tasik Darulaman in Jitra from 3 pm to take part in activities organised around the lake, culminating in cultural performances and artiste showcases in the evening.
Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve celebration in PERLIS featured a variety of healthy and family-oriented activities, including the six-kilometre ‘New Year Night Run’ at Denai Larian Pengkalan Asam in Kangar, which began at 9 pm.
The Perlis state government also organised the 2026 New Year Carnival, held from 9 am to midnight at Dewan 2020 in Kangar.
– BERNAMA
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