No countdown parties in KK, George Town

Getting all set up: Straits Quay Retail Marina marketing and communications executive May Lim (standing, left) having a discussion with pyrotechnician Suresh Ramani (right) on the fireworks display in conjunction with the New Year countdown at Straits Quay Retail Marina in Penang.

KOTA KINABALU: The new year of 2016 will be welcomed in a more low-key manner by many organisations, including the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, in view of the rising cost of living.

In fact, the City Hall will not be having its usual countdown party at Padang Merdeka in the heart of the city.