State-Level Chinese New Year Open House Set for Feb 17

5 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The State-Level Chinese New Year Open House Celebration will be held on 17 February 2026 (Tuesday) from 10am to 2pm at Kinabatangan Halls I–III, Level 2, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, said the event will be graced by the presence of His Excellency the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the State Government’s continued commitment to fostering harmony, unity and cultural diversity among Sabah’s multiracial society.

According to him, the organisation of the open house not only symbolises unity among people of different ethnic backgrounds, but also serves as a strategic platform to further strengthen Sabah’s cultural tourism sector.

“Celebrations such as this provide valuable opportunities for both domestic and international tourists to experience the richness of Sabah’s customs, traditions and cultural heritage, which form the state’s identity as a world-class tourism destination,” he said.

Jafry extended an open invitation to all Sabahans and members of the public to attend and enliven the celebration. He added that schools, Federal and State civil servants, representatives of Federal agencies in Sabah, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ethnic associations and Chinese associations are also invited to participate in the event in the spirit of unity and goodwill.

He said the celebration will feature a wide array of activities and attractions, including cultural performances such as lion dances, firecracker displays and the traditional Yee Sang tossing ceremony. Visitors can also look forward to traditional dishes from various ethnic groups, as well as special food offerings prepared by 15 leading five-star hotels in Sabah.

The event will be further enlivened by performances from renowned local and international artistes, in addition to various family-friendly community activities designed to offer a vibrant, colourful and memorable experience for all attendees.

Jafry expressed confidence that the event would contribute positively to the recovery and growth of the state’s tourism sector, while also stimulating the local economy through the hosting of high-impact, culture-based events.

He called on the public to come together to celebrate Chinese New Year in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect, while showcasing Sabah’s unique and diverse cultural heritage to the world.