Throwback Thursday: The Year 2000

Happy New Year 2026, everyone.

Today, I want to write about something that happened exactly 26 years ago. Saying that out loud feels wild. Damn… it was that long ago, huh?

It was New Year’s Eve, 1999 — the night the world was celebrating the end of a millennium and welcoming the year 2000. Everything felt big. Important. Historic. Even as a kid, I could feel that this wasn’t just another New Year’s Eve.

One of the clearest memories I have from that night was how excited my family was about the LRT finally opening. It might sound small now, but back then, it was a huge deal. My father decided that instead of driving all the way into the city — which, if you live in KL, you know is pure chaos, especially on New Year’s Eve — we would park the car at Setiawangsa Station and take the LRT into town.

That was such a thoughtful move. So very him.

We rode the LRT together, all excited, heading straight into the madness of the city. The train was packed, the stations were crowded, and yet everything felt electric. We got off at Kampung Baru Station and walked all the way to KLCC, surrounded by people from all walks of life, all there for the same reason — to witness the start of a new millennium.

The city was overflowing with energy. Loud, chaotic, sweaty, and honestly… overwhelming. But we were having a great time. I remember feeling thrilled just to be there, to be part of something so big. When the clock finally struck 12, everyone erupted. Cheers, shouts, excitement everywhere. The year 2000 had arrived.

I don’t remember fireworks in detail. I don’t remember what I wore. But I remember the feeling — standing there with my family, celebrating not just a new year, but a moment we would never get back.

Looking back now, I’m really glad my father dragged us all out into that madness. At least now I can say I’ve done it once… and I don’t feel the need to ever do it again 😅 But more importantly, it gave me a memory I’ll carry forever.

I dedicate this post to my late father, Faisal Bin Alwi, for always finding ways to make life memorable, especially for me. I realise now that a lot of who I am comes from him: the love for exploring cities, trying new food, being curious about what’s new, what’s next.

I may not celebrate New Year’s the way I used to. I prefer quieter moments now. But I’m more than happy living off the memories that were made — especially the ones filled with family, love, and a little bit of chaos.

And honestly? That’s more than enough.