Chinese New Year cheer fills Friendship Park with 40 vibrant stalls, dazzling lights

Dr Sim (centre) flanked by Wee on his left and Zaeidi on his right and others at the lighting-up ceremony of Malaysia-China Friendship Park on Feb 6, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Feb 6: Malaysia-China Friendship Park at Jalan Song lit up with festive cheer tonight as 40 vibrant stalls and colourful decorative lights ushered in the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations.

The lively atmosphere followed the park’s lighting-up ceremony, officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, alongside Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Deputy Mayor Dato Zaeidi Suhaili.

Wee said the park has recently completed its final phase of upgrading works, which included rewiring and enhanced lighting to create a brighter and more inviting environment.

“We have completed the final phase of works at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park, including rewiring and lighting upgrades that have made the area more vibrant with added decorative lights,” he said, adding that MBKS remains committed to enhancing public spaces and parks throughout Kuching.

Dr Sim (left) and Wee (right) hanging up their wishes on the Wishing Tree at Malaysia-China Friendship Park’s CNY Bazaar on Feb 6, 2026.

The Chinese New Year bazaar at the park features between 36 and 40 stalls offering a wide variety of creative food options. This year’s bazaar carries the festive theme “马上有钱” (meaning “may you become rich immediately”), symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the new year.

“We invite everyone to come and join the celebrations here,” Wee said.

He added that this year’s CNY festivities have been expanded from one to three locations, namely in Malaysia-China Friendship Park, Kenyalang Park and Padungan, to better accommodate crowds across the city.

“We invite the public to drop by after your daily activities and enjoy the festive atmosphere we have prepared for this Chinese New Year,” he said.

Wee also reminded visitors to take care of the park’s Wishing Tree, which will remain on display until Chap Goh Mei.

The Wishing Tree is a well-loved Chinese New Year tradition, where visitors write their wishes on red paper and hang them on its branches, symbolising hopes for happiness, prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead. — DayakDaily