THE Penang government will examine the timing of the Pesta Pulau Pinang to make it more suitable for attracting more visitors to the fair.
Wong Hon Wai (PH – Paya Terubong), who is also the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, said the state government is aware of the changes that affected the turn-out for the fair last year.
Muhamad Kasim (PN – Telok Bahang) claimed that last year’s annual event in December was a lacklustre affair as it was held during the monsoon season. He also sought to understand the state government’s plan to restore its prestige.
In replying to Muhamad Kasim’s question, Wong acknowledged that traditionally, the fair has been held at the end of the year. However, Wong noted that post-Covid-19, the year-end school holidays were shortened.
“The Pesta Pulau Pinang serves not only as a platform for business but also for promoting arts and culture.
“To some extent, the schedule of the school holidays has impacted the turnout for the Pesta Pulau Pinang.
“Since 1966, the Pesta Pulau Pinang has been a prestigious event held annually during the school holidays in December.
“The monsoon season and evolving community preferences over time may have contributed to the factors leading to the fair’s diminished grandeur,” Wong said during his reply at the State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
He added that the state Finance Department, as the owner and manager of the fairgrounds’ operation, has been tasked with organising Pesta Pulau Pinang.
He mentioned that the department, which has overseen the fairs since the 80s, would collaborate closely with the other excos’ offices and agencies to gather input for enhancing this year’s fair.
In response to Izhar Shah Datuk Arif Shah’s (PN – Seberang Jaya) inquiry about the possibility of alternating Pesta Pulau Pinang between the island and the mainland, Wong stated the suggestion could be considered in future based on site suitability.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar