KUCHING – Sarawak marked the arrival of 2026 with a historic achievement, securing a Guinness World Records title for the Longest GPS Journey Using a Relay Drone.
The record-breaking feat stretched from Tanjung Datu in the south to Lawas in the north, involving 128 flight segments.
The announcement was made during the official segment of the Sarawak Countdown 2026 celebration at the Kuching Riverbank, where thousands of visitors gathered to witness the New Year festivities.
The certificate presentation was officiated by Guinness World Records appraiser Jacob Yip Chiong Wai, who handed the recognition to Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Premier described the achievement as more than a technological milestone, highlighting it as a reflection of Sarawak’s unity, discipline, and confidence in embracing creative innovation.
The relay drone project, he noted, demonstrates the state’s ambition to promote tourism and showcase its global competitiveness.
Organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the record-setting event featured the launch of a special drone film.
The production captured Sarawak’s natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and modern development, offering audiences a vivid portrayal of the state’s identity as the “Gateway to Borneo.”
The evening’s programme continued with a dazzling visual and light show, followed by performances from local, national, and international artists.
The celebration, themed “Let’s Celebrate Together”, culminated in a spectacular fireworks display that marked the transition into the New Year.
Officials emphasised that this recognition strengthens Sarawak’s image as a forward-looking destination, ready to welcome visitors with innovation and creativity.
The achievement is expected to act as a catalyst for tourism and creative industries, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a hub of technological progress and cultural vibrancy.
By setting this Guinness World Record, Sarawak has not only showcased its technical capabilities but also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning itself on the global stage.
The success adds momentum to the state’s broader vision of becoming more competitive internationally while celebrating its rich heritage and modern aspirations.
