Penang: The Penang state government has been urged to consider relocating Pesta Pulau Pinang to land owned by the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) following the announcement that the 2025/2026 edition will be the last to be held at the Sungai Nibong fairgrounds near here, before a six-year hiatus beginning next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERDA's chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin said the proposal was aimed at identifying an alternative venue for the event, which benefits local entrepreneurs, adding that PERDA-owned land would be more suitable in terms of size and accessibility. He emphasized that the land in Tasek Gelugor, including areas in Kubang Menerong and Ara Kuda, offered strategic advantages due to their proximity to the Kedah border and easy access via the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) and the North-South Expressway (PLUS).
Kubang Menerong is considered a suitable location as it has a large land area, including about 60 acres that remain undeveloped, as well as better and more extensive parking facilities. Shaik Hussein mentioned that he has discussed the matter with State Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol to ensure the proposal can be brought to the state government.
The event at Sungai Nibong often experiences traffic congestion, particularly during large-scale events, with the majority of visitors coming from Seberang Perai. Shaik Hussein stated that PERDA is prepared to work with the state government to facilitate discussions and implementation should the proposal be approved, emphasizing the importance of supporting entrepreneurs.
Organising the fair at a new location could serve as a temporary alternative while infrastructure projects in Sungai Nibong are under construction. Previously, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that Pesta Pulau Pinang would be suspended for six years to accommodate the construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) by MRT Corp at the site.