As in many other countries throughout the world, New Year's Eve is celebrated with much joyfulness at public squares, hotels and restaurants. In Malaysia, the focal point of this occasion is the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. As the clock chimes at midnight, jubilant shouts of "Happy New Year" fill the air. The partying and merry-making usually lasts till the wee hours of the morning in most major cities and towns. Enterprising business people do a roaring trade at this hour as many merry-makers turn towards supper before the night is through.