PENANG’s beloved Pesta Pulau Pinang, the nation’s longest-running seasonal carnival, concluded its latest edition on Saturday, capping a record-breaking month that saw 400,000 visitors flock to the festivities.
The carnival, which first opened its doors in 1970, has delighted generations for 55 consecutive years with trade shows, exhibitions, game shows, culinary treats, and amusement rides.
This year’s event, however, marks a temporary closure to allow for the construction of the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot, a key component of the 29.5-kilometre line connecting Bayan Lepas to George Town.
Ticket collection and finance committee chairperson Syazwan Sazali reported that ticket sales surged to RM1.8 million, with visitors turning out in large numbers to enjoy the carnival before the state decides on its next steps.
“There were amusement rides from European operators, in addition to the main pavilion platforms hosted by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC),” Syazwan said. He added that visitor feedback overwhelmingly indicated a desire for the carnival to continue.
Authorities are now considering relocating the festival to the Prai mainland or waiting until construction of the LRT is completed so that Pesta Pulau Pinang can resume at its traditional site in Sungai Nibong, a strategic location midway between George Town and Bayan Lepas.
The LRT project, a major infrastructure initiative, aims to ease the worsening traffic congestion across the state. The temporary suspension of the carnival underscores the balance between preserving Penang’s cultural traditions and accommodating modern urban development. - January 11, 2026
