Leaves ‘rustle’ as visitors move on the pathway enlivened by the laser interactive projector. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
WHEN darkness falls over the Esplanade Linear Park in Penang, its paved walkways come alive with vibrant splashes of colour.
Each step triggers flurries of animation, from pulsating ripples to shapeshifting floral and even magical hearts, turning it into an ever-changing playground.
This is the new Laser Interactive Projector with Motion Sensor experience installed by Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and it has become quite the social media sensation.
Running from 7.30pm to 1am daily, it features 70 animated videos – each lasting roughly three minutes – played on a loop.
These are beamed from 25 projectors mounted on poles along a 142m path stretching from the old Medan Renong food court to The Cenotaph war memorial.
Motion sensors capture visitors’ movements and trigger changes in the high-definition animation, transforming the walkway into a dynamic canvas.
There is also built-in sound mirroring the visual themes.
The animations might also change during festive seasons.
State local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said installation of the RM476,530 system took two months.
It complements other decorative light displays at the Koh Seang Tat Fountain beside the nearby Town Hall, as well as on trees along Light Street.
Similar lighting was also installed in front of the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri’s residence, along Macalister Road and Jalan Mahsuri. These were done from 2023 onwards.
At the launch of the motion sensor system are (from second right) Rajendran, H’ng and other state officials.
“The aim was to enliven public spaces, especially at places of interest like the Esplanade, to boost tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
“These laser projectors are often used by shops and cafes to entice customers into their premises. Here, we decided to harness the technology to create a new tourism attraction.
“It’s something entirely new for Penang and complements the recent seawall upgrade,” H’ng told reporters during its launch.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the site had seen throngs of visitors.
“We believe we’ve created a space where families can come, relax and enjoy,” he said, adding that children especially love the feature.
Among those enjoying the experience were Adi Roslan and Anis Ridzuan, both 36, and their two children Hananairaa, six, and Hanimafyaa, four.
Adi, an e-commerce courier, said the family visited the Esplanade at least once a month and the laser show was a nice upgrade.
“We saw others posting about it on social media and knew our kids would love it. They enjoyed themselves and we took lots of photos.
“I don’t think I’ve seen anything else like it within Malaysia,” he said.
Another visitor, entrepreneur Jolyn Kong, 27, found the interactive nature of the animations the most attractive aspect.
“I love how the lights react to you.
“You’re not just looking at lights, you’re impacting the display. This makes it fun even for adults.
“Penang really has creative ways to make familiar places feel new again,” added Kong.
