Sarawak cemented its status as the Gateway to Borneo by setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for a long-distance drone relay, with the official plaque presented during its New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations in Kuching.
The state secured the title by completing a continuous, GPS-tracked drone relay across 1,706.7 kilometres of its terrain, a six-day aerial journey from Tanjung Datu in the southwest to Lawas in the northeast.
The official certification took place at the Countdown 2026 event on the Kuching Waterfront, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP).
Guinness World Records adjudicator Jacob Yip Chong Wai from Hong Kong verified the achievement on stage and presented the certificate to YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
“This Guinness World Record achievement represents Sarawak’s confidence as a progressive, united and forward-looking state,” said YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“It reflects who we are today, a Sarawak that embraces innovation while remaining deeply rooted in our culture, people, and landscapes. As the Gateway to Borneo, this moment belongs not only to Sarawak, but to the region we connect and the future we are shaping together,” he said.
The announcement was paired with the world premiere of the “Gateway to Borneo” drone film, a cinematic showcase of the state’s landscapes, cultures and communities from an aerial perspective.
The evening featured over ten performances by local, national and international artistes, including Malaysian acts KRU, Dayang Nurfaizah, Jatt Ali and Naqiu, alongside traditional and contemporary Sarawakian performances.
The night culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Leading into the countdown, LED displays showed Sarawak’s mottos such as “Sarawak Maju Makmur” and “Segulai Sejalai.”
The celebrations continued after midnight with an exclusive post-concert performance by internationally acclaimed Indonesian singer Judika, extending the festivities into the early hours.
This dual milestone of a world record and a major public celebration provides Sarawak with a legacy of promotional assets, strategically launching its campaign for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and reinforcing its position as a leading destination in Borneo.
THE BRUNEIAN | KUCHING
