ID :
38246
Wed, 12/31/2008 - 10:11
Auther :

LOUD NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT THREE LOCATIONS, ELSEWHERE QUIET

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Despite the scaled down celebration to
usher 2009, the federal capital will be lit up at the stroke of midnight with a
multitude of colours welcoming the new year.

A fireworks display has been organised by the private sector at KLCC and the
Curve in Damansara to treat revellers who are expected to pack roads leading
in and out of the city, to usher the new year.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife Jeanne Abdullah will join
thousands of Malaysians and tourists to usher 2009 at Dataran Merdeka
(Independence Square).

The Ambang (Eve) 2009 Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Ambank Group, at the
historic site is expected to begin at around 8pm until the countdown of 2009.

Although the government does not have an official celebration, the private
sectors such as national oil company Petronas would sponsor a show and fireworks
display at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Park to herald 2009.

The Curve, meanwhile, will put up a festive atmosphere with live
entertainment and exciting activities for an exhilarating countdown to 2009 via
its "New Year Eve Street Party".

New year revellers in the city centre will not need to worry about
transportation home as transport operators -- Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi
Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) and KTMB Bhd -- will extend their bus, light rail
transit (LRT), and train services on new year's eve.

RapidKL general manager of communications Ebi Azly Abdullah in a statement
said that the LRT services in some areas will be available until 2 am.

"LRT services for other stations will also be on until 12.45 am," he
said.

In addition, there will also be bus services available at various stations
around the Klang Valley until 2.00 am.

"Passengers are advised to buy return tickets when using the LRT service to
minimize inconvenience as stations such as KLCC, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek and
Hang Tuah will be very busy," he said.

Rail operator KTM Bhd in a statement Tuesday said that the additional
trains, would be operating after normal hours.

"There will be five additional trains each for the Seremban-Rawang and
Sentul-Port Klang routes, six for Rawang-Seremban and four for the Port
Klang-Sentul route," according to the statement.

Seven additional trains will also be provided from KL Sentral (main rail
station in the city) and Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to northern station of
Rawang, southern station of Seremban, Port Klang and Sentul after the normal
hours.
-- BERNAMA

X