FOOD lovers from near and far thronged the busy section of Kelawai Road to savour food and beverages from popular cafes, restaurants and hotels.
The two-day Taste of Penang also included live performances and a picnic area. It was one of the major events of the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF).
The closing ceremony of PIFF was also held at the venue this evening.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang is well known for her very rich street food culture, which still plays an integral role in shaping the state’s cultural identity.
“Penang’s food, coupled with its various attractions, has never failed to draw millions of tourists annually; especially since George Town was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site back in 2008.
“Penang is now poised to revive its tourism sector following the negative impact brought by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years.
“Since the reopening of our borders in April this year, international direct flights had increased by 783% from 12 in January to 106 weekly flights in July.
“We have also recorded an increase of 3573% in international arrival, from 3,465 tourists in January to 127,287 of them in June.
“Furthermore, Penang’s cruise market is showing a promising recovery. Penang Port has served 13 international calls totalling nearly 35,000 passengers in July this year.
“That’s why PIFF remains an important event in our state’s annual calendar.
“Inaugurated in 2017, the PIFF has been instrumental in promoting Penang to locals and visitors by showcasing the state’s world-renowned foodscape, from hawker culture to cafe, restaurant and hotel food scene through the major events and mini festivals.
“The Street Food Festival (SFF), held on Aug 20 and 21 at Design Village Outlet Mall, and Taste of Penang were two major events under PIFF.
“The PIFF is constantly evolving and introducing new and attractive concepts by leveraging the state’s diverse landscapes to keep up with the times,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of PIFF 2022.
Chow said it was very exciting to see the revival of tourism in Penang and its economic benefits through PIFF 2022.
“The opening weekend of PIFF 2022 had welcomed some 170,000 festival goers, a feat that surpassed all expectations.
“In line with our Penang2030 vision of a ‘Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, PIFF fosters a strong sense of unity among the community. This, of course, is done through a shared space for everyone to bond over food,” he added.
Also present were Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, TLM Event managing director Jack Wong, and Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chairman Tony Goh.
The Taste of Penang is being held today and tomorrow from 5pm to 11pm.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad