Tourist footfall drops in Penang

Locals and tourists taking a walk during the long Hari Raya weekend at Armenian Street in George Town, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

THE usually bustling heritage enclave in George Town, Penang, appeared noticeably subdued during Hari Raya this year despite earlier projections of up to 1.5 million vehicles entering the state.

Key tourist stretches such as Armenian Street saw thinner crowds, with fewer pedestrians and reduced activity among vendors.

However, one exception stood out – the famous cendol stall along Lebuh Keng Kwee, where business remained steady, likely due to hot weather.

The stall operator said the number of customers was comparable to recent days as the heat continued to draw people in search of a cool treat.

Elsewhere, traders were not as fortunate.

Bird’s nest trader Kelvin Lim, 38, said number of visitors dropped significantly compared to the previous day.

On the first day of Raya, he said he had about 100 customers but the next day, it was only around 20 to 30.

“It’s also lower compared to last year,” he said, adding that footfall had been stronger the week prior.

Thirsty customers queueing up for the famous Penang cendol and ais kacang.

Along Armenian Street, flower tea seller Peter Khoo, 40, said this year’s Hari Raya crowd was noticeably smaller.

“It is less than last year, possibly because of its proximity to Chinese New Year,” he said.

Street art vendor Saw Boon Sheng, 55, said while his business remained steady, the overall crowd was smaller.

“It is about the same for me, but there are more foreign tourists.

“Locals seem to just pass through. There are fewer cars and less people,” he said, adding that many vehicles entering Penang appeared to be in transit.

“Cars come from Kuala Lumpur and just pass through Penang,” he said.

Goh: Many feared heavy traffic and avoided coming to Penang.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh said hotel occupancy rates were hovering between 60% and 70% during the festive period, reflecting the softer turnout.

“Hari Raya Aidilfitri is unlike Chinese New Year where hotels are fully booked,” he said.

“Those returning to Penang for Raya, stay with family and rarely look for hotels.

“Others probably have headed back to other states.”

Goh said Penang’s transformation into a metropolitan state had shifted travel patterns.

He said the recent Chinese New Year celebrations may have also dampened travel demand.

“Many may have feared dealing with heavy traffic and avoided coming to Penang.

“Despite attracting local and foreign tourists, hotel occupancy is lower than expected during Raya,” he said.