Kongsi Raya Carnival starts today

6 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is hosting Malaysia’s first Kongsi Raya Carnival from today (6 February) to 8 February 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

The organisers Borneo Referral Group will also be aiming to set an ASEAN record by producing a 1,500-metre muhibbah yee sang.

The three-day carnival is expected to attract strong public participation, particularly during the muhibbah yee sang event on 7 February, said Borneo Referral Group founder and chief executive officer Dr. Brandon Chin.

He said the carnival seeks to position Sabah as a model of unity and harmonious living, reflecting the state’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society, while enhancing its regional profile within ASEAN through community integration, civic participation and festive celebration.

A key highlight will be the attempt to create the longest muhibbah yee sang in ASEAN, measuring 1,500 metres, to be held at Kinabatangan Hall 1 and 2, Level 2 of SICC. 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, consular representatives from Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, association and 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, with 4,500 boxes of yee sang prepared for public distribution.

Chin said organisers anticipate large crowds throughout the carnival, particularly during the Adabi showcase on 6 February and the muhibbah yee sang event the following day.

Other highlights include cheongsam showcases and competitions, Raya-themed contests, an Adabi Teh Tarik competition, a fastest eater challenge, children’s dance performances, as well as lion dance and kompang performances.

The programme will also feature a session on artificial intelligence 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.