AS Asia says goodbye to 2020 - a tumultuous year that saw the planet roiled by a deadly pandemic - celebrations will be smaller, shorter and more muted amid fears of coronavirus flare-ups.
In Beijing, the capital of the world's most-populous country, an annual New Year light show at the China Central Television Tower scheduled for Thursday through Sunday has been called off.
The Beijing Yonghe Lama Temple, a tourist site, has also cut the number of visitors allowed by half since Thursday. Many Chinese tourists are staying home or taking shorter domestic trips.
The coronavirus emerged a year ago in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread globally, infecting more than 82 million people and killing more than 1.7 million.
In Wuhan, where the pandemic is thought to have originated, thousands are expected to gather at several popular landmarks across the city centre for the countdown to 2021. Some said they were being cautious, but weren't particularly worried.
"Safety is the priority," said Wuhan resident Wang Xuemei, 23, a teacher.
"It's fine because these measures aren't enforced very strictly," added her friend and colleague Wang Anyu. "You can still go out."
Australia, whose fireworks over the Sydney Opera House are a visual staple of the season, has in many places restricted movement, gatherings and even internal borders. Most people are banned from coming to Sydney’s downtown on Thursday night.
"What a hell of a year it's been,” said Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. “Hopefully 2021 will be easier on all of us."
Weather and COVID-19 are putting a damper on celebrations in Japan, which is calling off events and reducing public services.
Japan's Imperial Household Agency has cancelled an annual New Year's event set for Jan. 2, at which Emperor Naruhito and other imperial family members were to greet well-wishers, because of the pandemic.
Shrines have asked people to stagger visits on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. East Japan Railway Company and Tokyo Metro are cancelling extra train services in the Tokyo metropolitan areas from late on Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. Snow, meanwhile, has blanketed parts of the country, leading to about 140 cancelled flights and other disruptions.
In Singapore's downtown Marina Bay, there will be no fireworks to ring in the New Year for the first time since the annual tradition began in 2005. Instead, fireworks will be set off at different locations across the Southeast Asian citystate.
The globally famous band BTS is holding an online concert on Thursday night in South Korea, while observers elsewhere in the country are watching to see whether their neighbours to the north hold their annual New Year fireworks display in Pyongyang.
Elsewhere in South Korea, the government has shut down the beaches in Gangueng, on the country's east coast, where people traditionally go to watch the first sunrise of the New Year. Seoul's Bosingak bell-ringing ceremony was cancelled for the first time since 1953, but can be viewed "virtually" on the city's website.
Many cities on the self-ruled island of Taiwan are cancelling public attendance at events like fireworks displays, and have asked people to watch online or on television.
But the Taipei city government is allowing in-person attendance to its New Year's events, as well as broadcasting them live - including fireworks set off from the outside of Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building.
It has capped attendance at the main viewing spot at 40,000, half of the 80,000 it had originally planned, with attendees required to register their personal details and wear masks.
New Year celebrations in India will most likely be muted as several states and major cities have imposed night curfews, restricted large gatherings and shut down pubs and restaurants.
New Delhi said it would not allow more than five people to assemble at public places, while financial capital Mumbai and tech capital Bengaluru limited gatherings to four.
However, there were no restrictions in Goa, a small state along India's western coast known for its grand beach parties during Christmas and New Year.
Media have reported people arriving in Goa in droves during the past week.
Reuters
Thu Dec 31 2020
![After a harrowing 2020, Asia tiptoes into the New Year After a harrowing 2020, Asia tiptoes into the New Year](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-12/61609407100_newyear.jpg)
A woman walks past a painting outside an art school in Mumbai, India, December 30, 2020. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
![KDNK suku kedua dijangka lebih baik, hasil positif ekonomi MADANI - Ahli ekonomi KDNK suku kedua dijangka lebih baik, hasil positif ekonomi MADANI - Ahli ekonomi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-04/71682503318_PEMANTAUANUDARAAPM.jpg)
KDNK suku kedua dijangka lebih baik, hasil positif ekonomi MADANI - Ahli ekonomi
Prestasi paling penting ialah peningkatan perbelanjaan isi rumah, disebabkan oleh keyakinan isi rumah yang semakin baik.
![Jenazah Nidza Afham dikebumi di Puncak Alam Jenazah Nidza Afham dikebumi di Puncak Alam](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/81723691432_NidzaAfham.jpg)
Jenazah Nidza Afham dikebumi di Puncak Alam
Solat jenazah akan diadakan di Masjid Puncak Alam sebelum dikebumikan di Tapak Perkuburan Felda Bukit Cherakah selepas solat Zohor hari ini.
![Ibu Menteri Besar Kedah meninggal dunia Ibu Menteri Besar Kedah meninggal dunia](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/51723690075_ibumeninggalduni.jpg)
Ibu Menteri Besar Kedah meninggal dunia
Allahyarham Meriam Ahmad menghembuskan nafas terakhir pada usia 74 tahun di Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar.
![Skuad bola tampar pantai Pulau Pinang berlatih di Songkhla Skuad bola tampar pantai Pulau Pinang berlatih di Songkhla](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/51723688922_bolatamparsukma.jpg)
Skuad bola tampar pantai Pulau Pinang berlatih di Songkhla
Pasukan bola tampar pantai Pulau Pinang di Pantai Samila, Songkhla selama lima hari sebagai persediaan menggalas cabaran membawa pulang pingat pada SUKMA 2024.
![Pemandu treler maut, nahas lima kenderaan di PLUS arah utara Pemandu treler maut, nahas lima kenderaan di PLUS arah utara](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/51723688542_KemalanganMaut.jpg)
Pemandu treler maut, nahas lima kenderaan di PLUS arah utara
Kemalangan melibatkan lima buah kenderaan termasuk tiga buah treler, sebuah lori satu tan dan sebuah MPV Toyota Vellfire.
Niaga AWANI: Jiwa SME: Kuih tradisonal sejuk beku 'diterbangkan' ke Tanah Suci
Inovasi pembuatan makanan sejuk beku, terutama kuih muih tradisional telah berjaya membawa produk itu ke peringkat global, terutama dalam memenuhi citarasa jemaah haji dan umrah rakyat Malaysia di Tanah Suci Mekah dan Madinah.
Global Financial Shifts: What emerging economies need to know
We're looking at recent shifts in the global financial scene. Today, we'll talk about how lower inflation and possible Fed rate cuts could impact investor confidence, global stability, and important sectors like tech and real estate. We'll also see how these changes might affect emerging economies like Malaysia, a key player in global trade. Let's break down these topics to understand what they mean for the future.
![MyJPJ rekod lebih RM28 juta transaksi dalam tempoh sebulan MyJPJ rekod lebih RM28 juta transaksi dalam tempoh sebulan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/61723687760_AedyFadlyRamli.jpg)
MyJPJ rekod lebih RM28 juta transaksi dalam tempoh sebulan
JPJ merekodkan kutipan lebih RM28 juta menerusi aplikasi MyJPJ bulan lepas iaitu sebulan selepas transaksi dalam talian diperkenalkan pada Jun.
Urban Redevelopment Act: A comprehensive solution or a temporary fix?
Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Secretary-General of the National House Buyers Association (HBA), will speak about tackling one of the most pressing urban issues of our time: the Urban Redevelopment Act. Is this legislation the comprehensive solution we’ve been waiting for to eradicate urban slums, or is it merely a temporary fix?
![Ringgit kekal dibuka tinggi, menjelang data KDNK suku kedua Malaysia esok Ringgit kekal dibuka tinggi, menjelang data KDNK suku kedua Malaysia esok](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/41705320699_TBringgitmalaysia.jpg)
Ringgit kekal dibuka tinggi, menjelang data KDNK suku kedua Malaysia esok
Pada 8 pagi, ringgit meningkat sedikit kepada 4.4150/4250 berbanding dolar AS daripada 4.4170/4235 ketika ditutup pada Rabu.
![Muhammad Azeem mahu jadi Raja Pecut Asia 2025 Muhammad Azeem mahu jadi Raja Pecut Asia 2025](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/61723073448_tbMuhammadAzeem.jpg)
Muhammad Azeem mahu jadi Raja Pecut Asia 2025
Katanya, beliau kini dalam fasa transisi perubahan corak latihan di bawah kendalian Ken Harden yang dijangka beri kesan positif terhadap prestasinya.
![Sumbangan Tunku Abdul Rahman di peringkat ASEAN, antarabangsa amat besar - Arkib Sumbangan Tunku Abdul Rahman di peringkat ASEAN, antarabangsa amat besar - Arkib](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/61722918836_TBJAAFARSIDEK.jpg)
Sumbangan Tunku Abdul Rahman di peringkat ASEAN, antarabangsa amat besar - Arkib
Generasi sekarang mungkin sekadar mengingati Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj sebagai pejuang kemerdekaan dan pembentukan negara, dan seterusnya sebagai Perdana Menteri Malaysia yang pertama.
![Pasaran saham Asia menjunam akibat kebimbangan kemelesetan di Amerika Syarikat Pasaran saham Asia menjunam akibat kebimbangan kemelesetan di Amerika Syarikat](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/71713497997_TBMarket.jpg)
Pasaran saham Asia menjunam akibat kebimbangan kemelesetan di Amerika Syarikat
Pasaran saham utama di Asia mengalami kejatuhan besar pada Isnin akibat kebimbangan bahawa Amerika Syarikat mungkin menuju kemelesetan.
![Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/71709993909_TBBERITAx.jpg)
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
![WEF China membuka tirai, tangani indikator negatif ekonomi global WEF China membuka tirai, tangani indikator negatif ekonomi global](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-06/61719197623_WEFChina.jpg)
WEF China membuka tirai, tangani indikator negatif ekonomi global
Lima indikator negatif tersebut termasuk faktor geopolitik (79 peratus), paras hutang (68 peratus) dan polarisasi sosial (65 peratus).
![Qatar tawar insentif lebih RM11 bilion untuk pelabur luar sertai agenda transformasi digitalnya Qatar tawar insentif lebih RM11 bilion untuk pelabur luar sertai agenda transformasi digitalnya](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-05/41715682799_tbSheikhMohamedAbd.jpg)
Qatar tawar insentif lebih RM11 bilion untuk pelabur luar sertai agenda transformasi digitalnya
Qatar tawar QR9 bilion (lebih RM11 bilion) untuk pelabur sertai agendanya membuat transformasi digital, termasuk AI dan bahasa Arab.
![Serangan dron Iran tidak akan berlaku sekiranya Israel berhenti seksa rakyat Palestin - Pakar Serangan dron Iran tidak akan berlaku sekiranya Israel berhenti seksa rakyat Palestin - Pakar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/71713077054_drones.jpg)
Serangan dron Iran tidak akan berlaku sekiranya Israel berhenti seksa rakyat Palestin - Pakar
Serangan dron oleh Iran ke atas Israel tidak akan berlaku sekiranya rejim Zionis itu menghentikan kedegilan dan kerakusan membunuh dan menyerang rakyat Palestin.
![MITEC dinobat sebagai Pusat Konvensyen Terbaik Asia, Malaysia 2023 oleh World MICE Awards MITEC dinobat sebagai Pusat Konvensyen Terbaik Asia, Malaysia 2023 oleh World MICE Awards](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/71711155448_MITEC.jpg)
MITEC dinobat sebagai Pusat Konvensyen Terbaik Asia, Malaysia 2023 oleh World MICE Awards
Venue pertama dibina khas di Malaysia untuk mesyuarat, persidangan, pameran dan acara gaya hidup yang merangkul anugerah berprestij itu.
![Bursa Malaysia lepasi paras 1,500 selepas setahun Bursa Malaysia lepasi paras 1,500 selepas setahun](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-01/71704798959_Pelaburasing.jpg)
Bursa Malaysia lepasi paras 1,500 selepas setahun
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) telah melepasi paras 1,500 mata.
![Lebih 1,700 individu ditahan dalam operasi senjata Interpol di Asia Lebih 1,700 individu ditahan dalam operasi senjata Interpol di Asia](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-06/71625009022_Interpol.jpg)
Lebih 1,700 individu ditahan dalam operasi senjata Interpol di Asia
Lebih 1,700 suspek ditahan di 10 negara Asia dalam operasi besar-besaran terhadap penyeludupan senjata api haram, kata Interpol.