KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the country logging its highest-ever daily Covid-19 tally on New Year’s Eve, Malaysians were keen to usher in 2021 with gusto.
The 2,525 new infections announced on Thursday did not deter the crowd, with families and friends thronging popular attractions here with scant regard for health standard operating procedures.
While heavy traffic was reported in the Bukit Bintang area, the situation was markedly different at Dataran Merdeka, which was closed to the public.
Heavy traffic was also reported on roads leaving the city as people headed to their hometowns, taking advantage of the long weekend break.
Police spent NYE issuing warnings to the public, dispersing crowds, and even arresting SOP violators.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Wednesday warned against public celebrations and gatherings on NYE.
The Vibes’ ALIF OMAR captures scenes of the city on the last day of 2020. – The Vibes, January 3, 2021
