PENANG will mark its 40th anniversary of the iconic Komtar skyscraper which remains the tallest building up in the northern region.
Despite losing its commercial appeal to some extent, the 62nd tallest building remains a landmark for its standing as the seat of the state government.
Despite the now abandoned plans to relocate the state administration to Prai on the mainland, Komtar remains the focal point of the DAP-led state government, who are serious about reinstating the value of the building as a public sector hub.
Komtar has lost out to newer neighbouring malls from initially Prangin Mall to now the First Avenue Mall while many younger shoppers prefer shopping hubs manned by the Singapore-based Capital Malls at Gurney Plaza and Queensbay.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said the building management and commercial unit owners plan to hold the Komtar carnival with the aim of rebranding the facility with the residents and tourists alike.
The carnival from December 5 until 7, will be held at Level Four and Five, with the state's Tech Dome is also in on the festivities.
Lai Heng told a press conference that it would be the biggest carnival to date.
Present was the Tech Dome chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi and PDC Setia Urus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Loi Kai Horng.
There would also be a photography exhibition, depicting Komtar in various years and its transformation process.
The architect behind the masterpiece is Datuk Seri Lim Chong Keat, aged 95, who continues to play an active role in designs and botany, as well as in culture and arts.
Lai Heng is also looking for archive photographs of Komtar to be exhibited together with the present throve of shots that the organisers possess.
Among the highlights besides retail opportunities, food and a visit to the Komtar's main attraction called The Top, there are attractions at Tech Dome, such as the gel blaster, e-sports, colouring competition and other family theme programmes.
Komtar, which is the acronym for Komplexs Tun Abdul Razak, was ready in 1985 and despite initial opposition, the project was ready in record time.
It has since consolidated into a hub for the public sector, including as the main stop for local stage Rapid Penang buses, express buses and government services because there is a Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) as the anchor tenant.
Komtar is also unique because it is linked in an integrated approach to a hotel - Jen and the two malls of Prangin and First Avenue. - November 22, 2025.
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