Sabah will host Malaysia’s first Kongsi Raya Carnival from Feb 6 to 8, 2026, with organisers attempting to create an ASEAN record by producing a 1,500 metres long muhibbah yee sang at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
The event is expected to draw strong public participation, particularly during the muhibbah yee sang event on Feb 7, said Borneo Referral Group founder and chief executive officer Brandon Chin.
He said the three-day carnival aims to position Sabah as a model of unity and harmonious living, reflecting the state’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society.
The event is also intended to enhance Sabah’s visibility at the regional level, particularly among ASEAN countries, by showcasing the state as an example of community integration, civic participation and festive celebration.
“One of the key highlights will be the attempt to set an ASEAN record for the longest muhibbah yee sang, measuring 1,500 metres, which will take place on Feb 7 at Kinabatangan Hall 1 and 2, Level 2 of SICC,” he said.
The event is scheduled to begin at 2pm, with the exact timing to be confirmed.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun, along with consular representatives from Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, association leaders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives from universities, colleges and secondary schools, are expected to attend.
About 600 participants are expected to take part in the muhibbah yee sang event, with organisers preparing 4,500 boxes of yee sang for distribution to the public.
Chin said organisers anticipate a large turnout throughout the carnival, particularly during the Adabi showcase on Feb 6 and the muhibbah yee sang event on Feb 7.
Other highlights include cheongsam showcases and competitions, Raya-themed competitions, an Adabi Teh Tarik competition, a fastest eater contest, children’s dance performances, as well as lion dance and kompang performances.
The programme will also feature a session on artificial intelligence insights by a Singapore-based TikToker, focusing on practical applications of AI.
Chin said the carnival is designed not only as a celebration, but also as a platform to foster cross-cultural understanding and strengthen community ties through shared participation.
