TOURIST hotspots across Penang have remained busy despite sweltering conditions, with visitors continuing to flock to the state during the Aidilfitri festive period and school holidays, undeterred by rising temperatures.
Observations at key attractions including Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, Armenian Street and Padang Kota Lama showed steady visitor numbers, with many tourists adapting to the heat by carrying umbrellas, wearing hats and keeping hydrated while exploring the heritage city.
Wang Fang, a 30-year-old tourist from China, told Bernama that the hot weather had not diminished her experience, describing Penang as a welcoming destination.
"Although it is hot, I am still enjoying being here. There are many drinks and places to cool down, so it is not a problem," she said when met at Chew Jetty.
Local visitor Nurul Nadhirah Mohd Aiman, 24, from Kuala Lumpur, said she took advantage of the festive period to visit Armenian Street for an Aidilfitri-themed photography session.
"I came to Armenian Street for a festive photo shoot. Besides walking, I also took a trishaw to avoid the heat. It was quite enjoyable as I had never ridden one in Penang before.
"Many foreign tourists seem comfortable despite the heat, perhaps Malaysians are more concerned about the hot weather," she said.
Penang’s Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the state continues to attract visitors due to its wide range of indoor and evening activities, which provide alternatives during periods of intense heat.
He pointed to attractions such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Penang Automotive Gallery, as well as air-conditioned cafés, food and beverage outlets, and shopping centres as popular options for visitors seeking respite.
"Additionally, there are many night-time tourism activities such as Ferringhi Bay, Love Lane, Entopia by Night and the night view from Penang Hill," he said.
Wong added that Penang Hill continues to record strong visitor numbers, with passenger figures reaching 5,800 on March 20, 8,900 on March 21, 9,800 on March 22 and 8,400 on March 23, bringing the four-day total to nearly 33,000.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chairman Datuk Tony Goh said hotel occupancy rates during the festive and school holiday period remained robust, ranging between 60 and 80 per cent.
He said the current heatwave has not adversely affected the tourism and hospitality sectors in the state.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that 14 areas across Peninsular Malaysia are currently under a level one heat alert, including the North-East district of Penang.
A level one warning indicates daily maximum temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days, while a full heatwave is defined by temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius over the same period. - March 24, 2026
