The year 2020 has been like no other. The most obvious difference would of course be the rise of the pandemic and how it has affected our daily lives. We were forced to stay home, wear masks when in public, and (sigh) use our passcodes because
FaceID doesn't work with masks. We've mourned the deaths of several famous actors and athletes, got confused with our politics, and waited days to see if Biden can take Trump down.
That said, the end of 2020 and the start of 2021 will be like no other. With many nightclubs and entertainment outlets still closed, and movement control orders (MCO) still enforced, skies that are usually filled by flashing firework displays will be quiet and dark, while roads usually packed with rivers of cars will be empty as many annual New Year events (especially in Klang Valley) will be cancelled:
Resort World Genting
Thanks to its cool temperatures and various attractions, many people choose to have their countdown and New Year's celebrations at Genting Highlands. However, this year, Genting Malaysia have decided to cancel its usual fireworks display attributing to a tough year in the hospitality industry and, of course, the safety of every customer. That said, certain attractions will still be open for the leisure of their customers.
Dataran Merdeka
As one of the symbols to celebrate our independence, it is no surprise that the iconic square is a hotspot for celebration, including New Years. With it now closed for construction and Kuala Lumpur still under CMCO, it shall remain closed for any public New Year's celebration. However, the city hall - DBKL will be hosting a live concert online featuring the Kuala Lumpur Orchestra and other artists starting 10pm on the 31st of December. You can catch it live on
DBKL's official Facebook page!
The Curve
Perhaps one of the most iconic annual celebrations. The Curve along with eCurve and IPC Shopping Center, all part of the Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre (MDCC), has jointly hosted New Year events for over a decade now and had always dazzled Selangor citizens with their spectacular fireworks displays. This year, sadly, management had decided against any events that will gather large crowds so there will not be any celebratory events there.
IPC Shopping Centre
As previously mentioned, all MDCC operators have agreed to cancel any public events to celebrate the New Year. However,
IPC Shopping Center will be organizing a 12 hour Facebook livestream - the IPC Live Shopping Fiesta. As one would expect, you will be able to shop products showcased by over 30 tenants with exclusive deals and special discounts. Their partnership with delivery provider, Lalamove, also promises deliveries within 24 hours if you reside in Klang Valley!
Desa Park City
Those who prefer a more chill and nature-friendly celebration will have been to one of Desa Park City's lakeside New Year's celebration. Sadly, Desa Park City has announced that they are cancelling their countdown carnivals, mini concerts and fireworks display on their
Facebook page.
So, let us all prepare ourselves for an unexpected end to this eventful year. Stay home, stay safe, and appreciate the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones at home. Say our goodbyes to the
bad things in 2020, and welcome the new year with an
open and optimistic heart!
Happy New Year!
Happy 2021!