(From left) Spooky figures getting ready to pounce on victims; a man reacting upon seeing a Chinese hopping ‘vampire’; visitors getting spooked by ‘ghosts’ at the event.
HALLOWEEN may be over but Penang’s thrill seekers had their share of frights at the “Fright of Darkness – Malam Sumpahan Pocong” (Night of the Shrouded Ghost’s Curse) event in Komtar.
Billed as Penang’s biggest Halloween celebration, the four-day event delivered spine-tingling chills and eerie performances.
“The venue was transformed into a veritable Halloween haunt, complete with spirits like the pocong and the jiangshi (Chinese hopping vampire), ready to both surprise and terrify,” said The Top Penang general manager Wan Husaini Wan Ab Rahman.
Visitors freaking out at the event.
“I estimated that around 5,000 attendees, mostly tourists, took part in the event, which featured ghostly performances and interactive horror-themed activities.
“Lucky draws, eerie-themed zones and life-like ghost characters were major attractions, with 50 ghostly figures wandering around the venue to deliver scares to daring guests.
“Attendees were also given a chance to show off their creativity in the Best Costume and Best Makeup contests during the event,” he said.
(From left) Spooky figures getting ready to pounce on victims; a man reacting upon seeing a Chinese hopping ‘vampire’; visitors getting spooked by ‘ghosts’ at the event.
Wan Husaini said this was the second time such an event was held, noting that the previous event was about six years ago before the Covid-19 pandemic.
(Left) Shrouded figures and the Chinese hopping vampire team up to deliver scares.
“We are gearing up for next year’s event and are committed to making it even bigger and better,” he said.
“Our goal is to expand on everything that made this year’s Halloween celebration a success.
Pocong pouncing on visitors.
“We are also looking at adding new attractions, having more interactive activities, and bringing in a wider variety of international ghostly characters to elevate the experience for everyone, whether they’re returning thrill seekers or new visitors.”
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai lauded the organiser for its efforts in creating such immersive events, which he said were crucial to boost Penang’s tourism profile.
Pocong pouncing on visitors.
“The Top Penang consistently engages visitors with creative, captivating events, and this Halloween event is no exception.
“Events like these not only excite but also serve as a significant tourist draw, enriching Penang’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination,” he said.
