THE iconic Pesta Pulau Pinang, currently being held at Sungai Nibong, marks its final edition at this venue before relocating to a new site.
This 58th edition (2024/2025), which began on December 21 2024, will run until Feb 2.
As of Jan 4, 2025, the funfair saw 150,000 visitors, with a total ticket collection of RM745,840. The event is targeting a total of 500,000 visitors.
The current Pesta site has to give way to the development of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line.
To gauge public sentiment on the relocation, Buletin Mutiara interviewed several individuals:
K.Thaarshenii, 32, finance executive
“I hope the spirit of ‘Pesta Pulau Pinang’ will remain the same, even with the venue change.
“I hope there will be more diverse entertainment.
“The relocation of the event is for a good purpose – the development of the LRT Mutiara. I am looking forward to the project’s completion, as it will alleviate traffic congestion.”
Nizar Safwan Jerry, 25, entrepreneur
“The atmosphere will definitely be different at the new venue, but I will still be part of it, as I have been a regular since childhood.
“I used to walk from my house to the funfair with my mother.
“Hope more games can be added in future editions, with possibly lower entrance fees. I enjoy the food, especially the Thai offerings.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the funfair and is planning to visit again before it ends.”
Mustaqin Alpi, officer at Penang State Secretariat Office,
“It is a mixed feeling, but we need to make way for the crucial LRT project, which is extremely important to Penang, especially Penangites.
“I hope the Pesta tradition will be preserved, even at the new location.”
Danisya Zamberi, student at a public learning institution
“Looking beyond the Pesta, the LRT will bring significant benefits to Penang, particularly in reducing traffic congestion.”
*Sen, retiree, 80,*
“I live just a 10-minute drive away from the Pesta site and used to visit many years ago.
“The funfair attracts a large crowd, causing major traffic congestion on weekends. Personally, I feel the relocation could help reduce this issue.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter & Lim Min Jun
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar, Lim Min Jun & Courtesy of Interviewees