GEORGE TOWN: Long weekends are great for celebrations and good for businesses anywhere.
But in Penang island, where the streets are typically narrow, they also mean a big headache for locals. They dread facing crowded eateries, traffic jams and environmental and social challenges.
From Saturday (Sept 13), Malaysians will enjoy a long weekend until Malaysia Day on Sept 16 following the extra holiday on Sept 15.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) expects some 200,000 vehicles entering the island for the long break.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, however, said the city council would do everything to ensure smooth movement and minimal disruption for both visitors and locals.
He said they would increase on-ground enforcement and enhance CCTV monitoring to manage the anticipated surge during this period.
“Heavier traffic, parking shortages and haphazard parking are common during peak periods because we expect an additional 50,000 vehicles entering the island daily.
“Our traffic light contractors and traffic team will be on standby in case there are any malfunctions with traffic lights or road systems. We have extended working hours for enforcement officers until midnight to ensure better traffic flow and crowd control.”
Rajendran said the council would use real-time surveillance through CCTVs to monitor traffic patterns and detect congestion.
“We can then deploy personnel promptly to affected areas. It will be a joint operation with the police to help manage peak-hour movements efficiently,” he said.
Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said there would be larger crowds during long weekends, with most being domestic tourists.
He said that with the implementation of the Just-Q digital queue management system, visitors are now called to board the funicular in batches, ensuring smoother flow at the station.
“Visitors now receive a queue number and estimated boarding time. This allows them to better plan their time while waiting to board the train.
“We advise visitors to plan their trips early, avoid peak hours where possible, and opt for carpooling or public transport due to limited parking at the lower station.
“Additional parking areas have been made available, but they remain limited,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said the additional public holiday allows parents to plan trips without their children having to skip school.
“This is a huge plus and will likely increase the number of families heading this way.
“In Penang, there are 107 hotels registered under MAH, offering a total of 17,500 rooms.
“There are also unregistered hotels, so there is ample accommodation for out-of-state visitors.”
