PESTA Pulau Pinang is taking place one last time at its Sungai Nibong home before the site is taken up for the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
The month-long festival, which runs from today until Jan 10, will not be held in following years as the land is scheduled to be handed over to MRT Corp in June for the building of the LRT depot and station.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said there was no alternative venue ready and setting one up would require major infrastructure.
“Pesta will not be continuing in the interim as no alternative site has been identified,” he said.
“We understand that the Prime Minister has said the iconic festival should continue, but we have no site for now.
(Below) The scene at last year’s Pesta Pulau Pinang. — Filepic
“As such, this year will be the last Pesta until the Mutiara Line is completed.”
Wong said the state might bring the event back to Sungai Nibong after 2031, though in a reduced format due to space constraints.
“Replicating what we have here from scratch would take time and substantial investment.
“So, instead of shifting to a temporary site that may not be suitable, the state has decided to pause Pesta and possibly return once the LRT is ready,” he said.
He said the state was open to ideas of relocating the festival to Seberang Perai, but there were no concrete plans yet.
“Any move must ensure Pesta remains accessible and attractive to families from both the island and mainland,” he added.
Wong’s remarks followed earlier announcements that the Sungai Nibong grounds would be partially absorbed into the Mutiara Line LRT project as a station and supporting facility zone.
The LRT line is expected to be completed in 2031.
This marks the longest pause in the festival’s history.
Pesta Pulau Pinang began in the late 1960s as a year-end state fair to promote tourism and community activities.
It moved across various venues before settling in Sungai Nibong in the early 1970s.
Since then, the venue has become synonymous with the festival, drawing families from across Penang and the northern region during the year-end school holidays.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the fair held sentimental value and the takeover should be handled with care.
Wong said the state’s long-term plans aligned with that view.
“We are not scrapping Pesta. Construction must take place and once the LRT is completed, we could bring it back within the new site’s layout,” he said.
This year’s edition of the festival features concerts, rides and cultural showcases.
According to Pesta Pulau Pinang deputy manager Nuar Rizal Kamarudin, one of the highlights is the new Air Force ride, imported from Italy, and is suspended about 30m in the air.
“It joins the Kids Roller Coaster, Euro Wheel, Vortex, Sky Rider and Daytona rides.
“There are 17 game booths this year, with prizes like toys and teddy bears,” he said.
Daily concerts will feature popular Malaysian acts including Datuk Awie and Ella.
“We have multiple sought- after musical acts every night.
“This is a big deal, as it is rare that one has the opportunity to witness such acts for a mere RM5 entry fee,” said Nuar Rizal.
Other activities include silat and muay thai demonstrations, e-sports tournaments, a Bollywood night, colouring contests, a boria showcase and boxing matches.
Food-wise, there are 20 food trucks, 40 stalls and five kiosks serving Thai cuisine.
“We even have some surprises in store for our visitors, as we want to celebrate this final Pesta here,” said Nuar Rizal.
Pesta Pulau Pinang is open daily from 5.30pm to midnight.
Entry is RM5 for Malaysian adults and RM10 for foreigners. Children aged 12 and below enter free.
