GEORGE TOWN: The week-long school holidays are kicking off with a four-day weekend – and Penang looks set to be overwhelmed.
The state, which usually welcomes an influx of visitors every holiday season, is hosting the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations as well this year.
Large crowds are expected with several major events across the state, but the highlight will be the Malaysia Day celebrations at the PICCA Convention Centre in Butterworth on Tuesday.
While the main convention hall can hold up to 6,000 visitors, the whole-day event will see the public, as well as representatives from government agencies and departments nationwide gathering to celebrate the special day.
But there is more. Hotel bookings have surged further with the Penang V-Convention (VCON) – also known as V-Malaysia 2025.
More than 8,000 delegates are expected to attend the five-day, international direct-selling event hosted by QNET and The V at the Setia Spice Convention Centre from Sept 13 to 17.
Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said on-site registrations for the international event could push the final number even higher.
“Apart from the convention itself, delegates have also arranged their own pre- and post-event tours,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh said MAH members in the state are experiencing high occupancy rates.
“We are operating at about 80% capacity, and several hotels are specifically catering to the VCON groups.
“These groups have made block bookings at multiple hotels,” he said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the start of the school break has brought plenty of excitement for students.
While some outside the state will be rushing to holiday in Penang, others in the state are thinking of fleeing the crowds.
At St Xavier’s Institution in Lebuh Farquhar, the ringing of the final school bell saw students rushing out to meet their waiting parents.
Among them was Form Four student Muhammad Muhsin Mohd Jameel, 16, who is preparing to visit his relatives in Kuala Lumpur.
“We visit them about twice a year and this time, my family of four will be spending three days there.
“My parents will be taking leave from work,” he said.
Some families, though, have to stay put.
Office clerk Jeniffer Kuan, 45, said her family had decided against making any plans as her son is sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination this year.
“While some families are travelling, I will continue with my office work and my 17-year-old son will be attending tuition classes.
“After his examination wraps up at the end of the year, we plan to reward him with a long overseas trip,” she said.
The week-long school term holiday takes place from today to Sept 21.
