WITH up to 40,000 people expected at the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration at George Town’s clan jetties, the Penang government has decided to introduce a one-way foot traffic system to manage the crowd.
Road closures will be implemented in stages, too.
The annual Hokkien event tomorrow from 9pm to midnight at Pengkalan Weld is expected to see a large turnout, especially at the Chew Jetty.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the single lane at Chew Jetty will span 20m.
“Visitors can only walk one way on these designated lanes.
“This is due to increasing crowd size year on year, especially foreign visitors.
“Attendance typically ranges from 30,000 to 40,000,” he said.
“Roads will be partially closed from 4pm to enable the main stage to be set up, with two-way traffic still allowed.
“From 5pm, there will be a full closure of part of Pengkalan Weld.”
There will also be junction closures at Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Pantai, as well as Gat Lebuh Acheh and Lebuh Victoria.
However, Pengkalan Weld and clan jetty residents will be issued passes.
“From 7pm onwards, there will be a total closure for safety,” he said.
There will also be four designated gathering points for emergencies, with signage to direct the public.
To manage cleanliness, 14 rubbish bins and two mobile toilets will be provided.
In a first, the celebration was promoted on LED bus-stop signboards and a Rapid Penang bus.
“As part of the festivities, 1,500 sponsored two-egg sets symbolising luck will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The state government will be organising the main stage programme from 9pm to 11pm, followed by a ceremony at 11pm.
“The clan jetties, particularly Chew Jetty, will hold their own prayers organised by community leaders.”
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other state leaders are expected to attend.
Also present at the announcement were George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) Communications and Collaborations Department manager Vick Quah, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying’s press secretary Ray Choong and event organisers Nathan Cheng and Stephen Loh.
