Counting down to the new year has always been something that is traditionally accompanied by a bright, loud, celebratory display of fireworks. In Malaysia, these displays are often organised by malls, with huge crowds coming together to usher in the new year with cheer and laughter, and the events usually feature drinks, activities, or even mini-concerts.
COVID-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for the end of 2020—just like it has throughout the year. As such, various organisers have announced that the usual fireworks displays are being called off—so that the expected large, public gatherings will not compromise anyone’s safety.
If you were looking for a spot to count down to the new year, it might be best to stay at home for once. Instead, various organisers have shifted their new year celebrations online, which we’ll talk about more below. As reported by the Malay Mail, here are four spots that won’t be having fireworks displays this year-end.
Dataran Merdeka
Every year, Dataran Merdeka hosts thousands of Malaysians that visit to celebrate the closing of the year, with a huge fireworks display among the main attractions. However, Dataran Merdeka is currently closed for maintenance, while Kuala Lumpur is still under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)—which means that such public events are still not allowed, as Malay Mail reports.
Instead, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is running a virtual event on New Year’s Eve, with performances by the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra and local Malaysian artists. Themed as “Wargakota Terus Bertahan“, the virtual Konsert Ambang 2021 will be livestreamed on DBKL’s official Facebook page and Bapakku FM at 10pm on the 31st of December 2020.
Resort World Genting
Besides the annual fireworks display, Resort World Genting has been a popular countdown spot over the years due to the cool weather, as well as the many attractions that Genting Highlands generally offers. This year, however, the resort has decided to cancel the fireworks display, explaining:
“We have also created an environment that is safe for all our visitors, employees, business partners and community by implementing stringent safety measures throughout the resort.”
Resort World Genting also revealed that they have been subject to significant difficulties as a result of the pandemic—just like the rest of the leisure and hospitality industry. As a result, the resort has “re-engineered” certain processes to adapt to the new normal—although there will still be a range of other attractions for visitors during new year’s eve.
The Curve
If you’re from Petaling Jaya, you’ve probably spent a couple of new year’s eve celebrations at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. For 14 years, the Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre (MDCC) has been running one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state, although this year, it has been called off.
According to a spokesperson from The Curve:
“What’s important for any New Year celebration is to have renewed hope, gratitude, and a positive outlook for the year ahead. This time around, The Curve urges everyone to make the safety of individuals, family, friends and the community at large a priority.”
IPC Shopping Centre
MDCC also owns the IPC Shopping Centre, which is located around the corner from The Curve in Mutiara Damansara. Instead of the usual fireworks, IPC will be running their new year’s celebrations digitally, with General Manager Karyn Lim describing the 12 hour-long “IPC Live Shopping Fiesta”:
“Viewers will be able to shop and enjoy special deals, and entertainment by renowned international and local artists. There will be 30 over tenants showcasing their products and services during the livestream.
“Shoppers can easily make their purchase within the Facebook platform and have it delivered within 24-hours in the Klang Valley, courtesy of our delivery partner, Lalamove.”
To find out more about IPC’s livestream, click here.
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