Photo: @DroneAriel

Pesta Pulau Pinang, a beloved year-end tradition for generations of Penangites, is taking place for the final time at its long-time home in Sungai Nibong. The month-long festival, running from now until January 10, marks the end of an era as the site will soon be handed over to MRT Corp for the construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and station.

Penang’s tourism and creative economy committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, confirmed that there are no plans for Pesta to continue in the immediate future. With the land scheduled for takeover in June and no alternative venue ready, the state government has decided to pause the festival until the LRT project is completed in 2031.

Wong noted that replicating Pesta at a new location would require major infrastructure, time, and significant investment. While there have been suggestions to relocate the festival to Seberang Perai, no concrete plans have been established. “Any move must ensure Pesta remains accessible and attractive to families from both the island and mainland,” he said.

The Sungai Nibong grounds, which have hosted the festival since the early 1970s, will be partially absorbed into the LRT alignment for station and support facilities. This will result in the longest hiatus in the festival’s history. Originating in the late 1960s as a state fair promoting tourism and community activities, Pesta Pulau Pinang has since grown into a nostalgic highlight of the year-end school holidays, drawing visitors from across the northern region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier emphasized that Pesta holds deep sentimental value and urged that the transition be handled with sensitivity. Wong assured that the state shares this sentiment and intends to revive the fair—albeit in a potentially smaller format—once the LRT is completed. “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.

For now, this year’s edition aims to give visitors a memorable send-off. The festival features a range of attractions, including daily concerts by top Malaysian artists such as Datuk Awie and Ella, alongside cultural showcases, e-sports tournaments, muay thai and silat demonstrations, and a Bollywood night.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the newly introduced Air Force ride imported from Italy, suspended 30 metres in the air, as well as favourites like the Kids Roller Coaster, Euro Wheel, Vortex, and Sky Rider. There are also 17 game booths offering prizes, plus an extensive food section that includes 20 food trucks, 40 stalls, and five kiosks serving Thai cuisine.

Pesta Pulau Pinang is open daily from 5.30pm to midnight. Entry fees are RM5 for Malaysian adults, RM10 for foreigners, while children aged 12 and below enter for free.

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