THE Penang government is in discussions with the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), a Federal Government agency, on a proposal to temporarily relocate the annual Pesta Pulau Pinang to PERDA-owned land in North Seberang Perai while the Sungai Nibong fairgrounds undergo redevelopment.
The move follows the state’s announcement that Pesta Pulau Pinang at the Sungai Nibong site will be suspended for six years to facilitate the construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, including the LRT depot, station and a future Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government has given the mandate to the State Financial Department to continue negotiations with PERDA, which had proposed hosting the fair on its land.
“The state government is considering continuing Pesta Pulau Pinang at another location, most likely on PERDA-owned land in Tasek Gelugor, including the Kubang Menerong area.
“We are currently discussing the proposal, as there are several options available.
“The first option is to suspend the fair entirely at the Sungai Nibong site throughout the LRT depot and station construction period.
“The second option is to continue organising the fair at the existing Sungai Nibong site, but on a much smaller scale. That is still being considered.
“For now, we have received a proposal from PERDA to jointly organise the fair on its land, and we are evaluating that option as well,” Chow told reporters after the Stakeholder Engagement Symposium on the Draft Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan for Sungai Nibong (Tapak Pesta) at Komtar today.
Also present was Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Chow said continuing the fair at the existing Sungai Nibong site may not be practical due to the ongoing construction of the LRT depot.
“A construction site is clearly not a suitable venue for an event involving large numbers of members of the public.
“Therefore, we acknowledge PERDA’s proposal and believe it is a more suitable temporary solution,” he said.
Asked when a final decision would be made, Chow said discussions are still ongoing.
“Organising Pesta Pulau Pinang requires several months of preparation.
“We therefore need to make a final decision soon to allow sufficient time to organise the event at the proposed new site. We expect to reach a decision within the next few weeks,” he said.
On the Draft TOD Master Plan for Sungai Nibong (Tapak Pesta), Chow said the state government is currently conducting stakeholder engagement sessions, which are expected to conclude by October before the master plan is finalised.
“Once the stakeholder engagement process is completed and the TOD concept is finalised, the next step will be to determine how the various projects under the master plan will be implemented.
“It is important to clarify that MRT Corp is only responsible for constructing the LRT depot and station at the Sungai Nibong site.
“The other development components presented under the TOD master plan fall under the responsibility of the state government because the land belongs to the state,” he explained.
Chow said the state would then decide on the project’s implementation framework, including project management, phasing and financing models.
“We need to determine how the implementation will be structured, including whether certain components should be undertaken through public-private financing initiatives.
“Some components may be better suited for private sector participation, while others may be more appropriately implemented by the state government.
“These decisions can only be made after the TOD Master Plan for Sungai Nibong is finalised. The next stage will be implementation, and that will be even more challenging,” he said.
On a separate matter, Chow was asked about two residents in Sungai Dua who have yet to vacate their properties for the LRT project.
He said the residents may apply for an extension of time.
“However, the condition is that the ex gratia payment will only be made after the properties have been fully vacated.
“Once the deadline expires, enforcement action will have to be taken. That is the current situation,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat