KLCC New Year's Fireworks Cancellation Draws Mixed Reactions From Malaysians
This is the second year in a row that KLCC The Place did not organise a countdown party.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 29 Dec 2023, 05:33 PM
The announcement of the cancellation of Kuala Lumpur City Centre's (KLCC) annual New Year's countdown party and fireworks has sparked mixed reactions among Malaysians
In an Instagram post yesterday, 28 December, KLCC The Place announced that that the reason behind the move was to "stand in solidarity with so many going through unimaginable challenges and difficult times across the globe".
"There will be no fireworks or New Year's Eve party at KLCC The Place this year.
"Instead, as 2023 comes to a close, we'd like to invite you to spend some time with us winding down in KLCC Park, and contemplating at the Lake Symphony Fountains before we light up the PETRONAS Twin Towers at midnight as a symbol of our shared journey and our hopes for the coming new year," it said in the statement.
In the comments section, some netizens commended KLCC The Place for the decision, while others criticised it for providing the information late
"Well done, KLCC," read a comment, while another person added, "Thank you, KLCC The Place, for taking a stand for compassion. We need more of this in this world."
However, a netizen said, "It's important to announce earlier ahead of time for people who booked hotels right there. No one can get their money back. It's fine if you cancel. Understandable. But to wait till last minute puts people in a difficult position because they can't get their money back from hotels."
"Oh, is it? Last year also like this lah. What a joke. Found a new way to save budget ke?" an Instagram user teased.
"Last year also got excuse for no fireworks. This year got excuse no fireworks. Just say no money to have fireworks. Easy. And people would go Singapore, Shanghai, [and] Hong Kong for New Year's Eve [celebration]," a person added.
"There will always be worldly political issues going around every time. That means kiss fireworks goodbye forever at this place," wrote a netizen.
Last year, KLCC The Place also announced that it would not be holding a countdown party to welcome the new year
At that time, the group that manages PETRONAS Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, among other attractions, cited ongoing natural disasters, the flood, and other difficulties as reasons for the cancellation of the party.
After its announcement, Sunway Pyramid also opted to cancel its New Year's Eve countdown fireworks on 30 December 2022.
Their decisions came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision to cancel last year's New Year's Eve celebration that is usually held at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.
At the time of writing, it is uncertain whether the federal government will be organising a countdown party at the centre of the capital city this year.
However, the Sarawak state government will be celebrating New Year's at Kuching Waterfront, where they will also be unveiling their new tallest flagpole, reported The Borneo Post.
