KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: It is the eve of New Year and most people are busy making plans to celebrate it in a less crowded venue.

The usual scene of revellers flocking to countdown parties in the heart of cities in groups or with families may see some changes this year as discovered by The Star yesterday.

Some want to merry-make in smaller groups or private gatherings and with less noise this year.

Public countdown parties have lost their appeal to Mohammed Heikal Rosnan, 23, who used to attend the celebrations but cannot tolerate the crowd any more.

"There are just too many people. On top of that you have the immigrants and the Mat Rempit. Most of them are just out looking for trouble," he said.

Mohammed Heikal added he would usher in the New Year at a closed-door party instead.

"The only downside is that you have to pay to get in these parties because the entertainment is not free. You still get the party foam and streamers minus the intolerable crowd," he said.

Kevin Foo Chuan Yee, 21, shares the same sentiment.

"I am avoiding the countdown parties! I feel that most of them (who attend the parties) are hooligans.

"They don't even want to celebrate, they are only out there to make a ruckus," said the student.

His parents in hometown Ipoh also advised him against going to such places after reading about rowdy revellers during Christmas Eve celebration at Gurney Drive in George Town, Penang last week.

Muthu Kumar Veerapen, 23, said New Year's Eve would be a private affair with his family at a friend's place in Sentul West where they would be able to clearly see the amazing Kuala Lumpur skyline and fireworks from their condominium.

The tutor said he once celebrated at a popular shopping mall and found the atmosphere to be too crowded.

"I always think that New Year's Eve is the time for me to reflect on the past year with my loved ones," he said.