KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Glittering fireworks lit up the night sky over Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) here Saturday night as cheering revellers welcomed 2012 and bid farewell to an eventful year.

Fireworks displays were also held at various locations in the capital, including the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Bukit Bintang, a renowned shopping area especially among tourists.

As the cheers died down, the new year concert featuring local and international artists was held at the square much to the delight of some 50,000 revellers, who thronged the venue as early as 6pm.

Meanwhile, at the KLCC's Petronas Twin Towers, about 50,000 revellers, including foreigners and tourists, gathered to usher the new year.

At the stroke of 12.01am that marked the arrival of the new year, a dazzling fireworks display lighted up the skyline.

Similar celebrations were also held in areas which are a favourite with locals and tourists in the city. Other states in Malaysia also joined in the celebrations with concerts and breathtaking fireworks display. (photoBERNAMA)

MALAYSIA