George town: Pesta Pulau Pinang, which is held every year, continues to be a highly anticipated event not only for the people of the state but also for residents of northern states regardless of race, religion and background. The festival not only offers entertainment and various interesting events but has also been a symbol of unity for the diverse community for a long time.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pesta Pulau Pinang committee manager Dr. Khairusany Mohamed Yusof stated that the 59th Pesta Pulau Pinang began on Dec 6 and will continue until Jan 10, with operating hours from 6 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 5.30 pm to 12 midnight on weekends and public holidays. This edition aims to attract up to 500,000 visitors, surpassing last year's attendance of 350,000.
Dr. Khairusany highlighted that more than 80 stalls offering food and drinks from Penang and other regions, along with exhibition spaces, are operational within the festival site. Prices are kept reasonable through collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, ensuring traders adhere to regulations.
The 8.14-hectare festival site is equipped with facilities like mini parks and pavilions for state agencies such as the State Secretariat Office, Penang City Council (MBPP), and Penang Development Corporation (PDC). It also features pavilions from Thailand, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Acheh, showcasing food sales and traditional clothing, symbolizing diplomatic relations.
Entertainment includes performances by artists like Kristal, Hattan, Zamani, XPDC, Awie, Ella, Ukays, Ara Johari, and Haziq, alongside 'Malam Pesta Berselawat' with nasyid groups such as Inteam, UNIC, and Ustaz Don. These performances occur nightly, offering a different atmosphere and genre for visitors.
Khairusany also mentioned a collaboration with KCA Amusement Entertainment, which brings high-tech games from Europe, including "Air Force," providing visitors unique experiences and challenges daily. The festival features 17 semi-extreme games and 18 family-oriented games, all inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Committee (DOSH).
The festival maintains a lighting concept to enhance excitement, offering more photo booths and photo corners for visitors to capture memorable moments. Various programmes at Arena 3, including the Cat Festival, Silat, Boxing, Muay Thai, Kabaddi, E-Sport, Choral Speaking competitions, and an exhibition of the country's security forces, are also part of the event.