FOOD lovers had one last binge as the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2019 came to an end at Design Village Outlet Mall, Batu Kawan, today.
It concluded with the Penang Seafood Galore this weekend (April 27 and 28), which started from 5pm to 11pm.
Thousands of people gathered at the mall to be part of the celebration where it was the final chance to get a ‘taste’ of it.
There were pop-up eateries as well as food trucks where the crowd made a beeline to treat themselves with the flavoursome seafood dishes.
Mouth-watering food, such as coconut tomyam, steamed seafood, seafood char koey teow, and East Coast grilled seafood, were well received by the food lovers.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who led the closing ceremony, said that for the past two weeks, visitors to Penang indulged themselves in the culinary culture through immersive food walks, unique dining experiences, cooking demonstrations, competitions and photo exhibitions.
“I believe that events such as PIFF is a creative way of connecting people with one other and the food in local neighbourhoods.
“The tourism industry in Penang continues to be one of the key pillars of our economy with growth at record levels.
“I assure that the state government will continue to work out a tourism master plan that will include eco-tourism in Seberang Perai for our vibrant tourism industry to continue to grow.
“Seberang Perai is poised to become a tourist hotspot due to its beautiful natural assets and I see a lot of potential here as well,” Chow added in his speech.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that PIFF 2019 was more than just food.
“It is a chance for tourists to connect with the locals at a deeper level.
“For the past two weeks, our pocket events managed to draw a sizeable crowd, proving that PIFF is as popular as ever,” said Yeoh.
PIFF 2019 ended with a fireworks display and live performances which added glory to the Penang Seafood Galore.
Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife Tan Lean Kee, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Seberang Perai Municipal Council president Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and other invited guests.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad