Malaysia welcomes New Year 2018 with fireworks display

KUALA LUMPUR: Fireworks lit up the skies in the capital city and several locations nationwide as Malaysia welcomed new year 2018 after the clock struck past midnight.

The colourful fireworks were followed by several events attended by thousands of Malaysians from various racial and religious background and also some tourists.

In KUALA LUMPUR, the new year 2018 celebrations were held at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur Tower and Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre.

The crowd started flooding the areas as early as 8pm and were entertained by performances provided by the organisers who consisted mostly from the private sector.

In Bukit Bintang, thousands of people were treated to a glowing fountain show while at Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre, the visitors saw a concert by artists such as Kaka Azraff, Atrez, and the all-Malaysian band, Skyhigh.

New year 2018 was ushered in with MDCC Fun Countdown Run where thousands participated in the 5km run which started at 9pm, all dressed in vibrant orange to light up 2018 MDCC Annual Countdown Party.

In MALACCA, the New Year 2018 Countdown was held at Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang which was attended by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and accompanied by thousands of people.

Among the activities were traditional sports, Muay Thai tournament, cooking demonstration, cultural performances, the launch of Melaka Tourism Calendar 2018 and a fireworks display.

In PERAK, new year 2018 celebration was held in Ipoh and several towns.

In Ipoh, a drizzle did not stop some 10,000 people from flocking to Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh for a cultural show featuring popular singers including top crooner Datuk Jamal Abdillah.

Another focus area was the Lost World of Tambun theme park which was flooded with 20,000 people.

In TELUK INTAN, the local residents flocked to Menara Chondong for picture opportunities.

In SEREMBAN, about 5,000 people attended new year celebration at Negri Sembilan Fest 2017 organised by the Negri Sembilan Artistes Association, the Youth and Sports Ministry, Mara and GIG Technology.

Negri Sembilan Fest 2017 held at Paroi Youth and Sports Complex provided 70 sale booths while the visitors were treated to a concert by popular artists including Najwa Latif, Dva, Sixth Sense and Slash.

In LANGKAWI, new year 2018 was ushered in by the Langkawi Fun Nite Run which was joined by 1,000 runners. It was organised by Langkawi Tourism Board and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

The Langkawi International Blues and Roots Aseana (Libra) , the first blues music festival in Malaysia, was held at Pantai Chenang.

In PUTRAJAYA, the federal government's administrative centre was transformed into a colourful wonderland with fireworks over the Palace of Justice attended by some 500,000 visitors at New Year 2018 Countdown.

The digital fireworks display using creative techniques, high resolution, sound and visual system lasted five minutes to mark the closing of the Putrajaya Light and Motion Festival (Lampu) at Dataran Putrajaya.

The closing event aims to promote Putrajaya as a pioneer city in Malaysia that embraces systematic and dynamic lighting elements, particularly in terms of utilising the latest technology.

In KUCHING, the new year 2018 countdown was held at Kuching Waterfront from as early as 8pm with stage performances and fashion shows to entertain thousands of visitors who braved a drizzle.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Abang Johari Tun Openg arrived at 10.30pm accompanied by his deputy, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and several Sarawak cabinet ministers.

The celebration climaxed as soon as new year 2018 arrived followed by a fireworks display which lit the skies of Kuching. — Bernama