Photo: @DroneAriel

Pesta Pulau Pinang, a beloved year-end tradition for generations of Penangites, is taking place for the final time at its long-time home in Sungai Nibong. The month-long festival, running from now until January 10, marks the end of an era as the site will soon be handed over to MRT Corp for the construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and station.

Penang’s tourism and creative economy committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai, confirmed that there are no plans for Pesta to continue in the immediate future. With the land scheduled for takeover in June and no alternative venue ready, the state government has decided to pause the festival until the LRT project is completed in 2031.

Wong noted that replicating Pesta at a new location would require major infrastructure, time, and significant investment. While there have been suggestions to relocate the festival to Seberang Perai, no concrete plans have been established. “Any move must ensure Pesta remains accessible and attractive to families from both the island and mainland,” he said.

The Sungai Nibong grounds, which have hosted the festival since the early 1970s, will be partially absorbed into the LRT alignment for station and support facilities. This will result in the longest hiatus in the festival’s history. Originating in the late 1960s as a state fair promoting tourism and community activities, Pesta Pulau Pinang has since grown into a nostalgic highlight of the year-end school holidays, drawing visitors from across the northern region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier emphasized that Pesta holds deep sentimental value and urged that the transition be handled with sensitivity. Wong assured that the state shares this sentiment and intends to revive the fair—albeit in a potentially smaller format—once the LRT is completed. “We are not scrapping Pesta. Construction must take place, and once the LRT is completed, we could bring it back within the new site’s layout,” he said.

For now, this year’s edition aims to give visitors a memorable send-off. The festival features a range of attractions, including daily concerts by top Malaysian artists such as Datuk Awie and Ella, alongside cultural showcases, e-sports tournaments, muay thai and silat demonstrations, and a Bollywood night.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the newly introduced Air Force ride imported from Italy, suspended 30 metres in the air, as well as favourites like the Kids Roller Coaster, Euro Wheel, Vortex, and Sky Rider. There are also 17 game booths offering prizes, plus an extensive food section that includes 20 food trucks, 40 stalls, and five kiosks serving Thai cuisine.

Pesta Pulau Pinang is open daily from 5.30pm to midnight. Entry fees are RM5 for Malaysian adults, RM10 for foreigners, while children aged 12 and below enter for free.

About The Pier

A mixed-development project by Asia Green Group in Bayan Mutiara, Penang, strategically located along Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway near the Penang Bridge’s Bayan Lepas exit. Adjacent to The Zen development (formerly Zen 9), it comprises two residential towers—Tower A with 496 units and Tower B with 438 units, totaling 934 units. The development includes facilities on level 8, a 7-level car parking podium, and 64 shop offices at ground level.

Find out more about The Pier

Taman Bistari Indah is a residential development by Capaian Setia Sdn. Bhd. in Nibong Tebal. Located along Jalan Ooi Kar Seng, diagonally opposite SJK(C) Pai Teik. The area is well-connected, situated approximately 1.5km from the Nibong Tebal KTM station and about a 10-minute drive from the Jawi Toll Plaza. A wide range of essential amenities, including schools, shops, and services, can be found within the surrounding neighbourhood.

The development comprises 66 units of 2-storey terrace homes, each designed with five rooms and four bathrooms, along with parking space for two cars. Indicative pricing starts from RM792,000.

Project Name : Taman Bistari Indah
Location : Nibong Tebal
Property Type : Residential
Tenure: Freehold
Land Area: (to be confirmed)
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 66
Indicative Price : RM792,000 onwards
Developer : Capaian Setia Sdn. Bhd.

Join the event for a day filled with festive cheer — from joyful bites and sweet treats to a fun Gingerbread DIY Station that everyone can enjoy.

This year, it is Building Hope initiative!

You can share the joy of giving by donating your gently pre-loved toys, books, or school supplies. Let’s come together to make wonderful, merry memories from 1 December until 31 December 2025 — everyone is warmly welcome!

Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2025
Time: 10AM – 5PM
Venue: Paramount Property Gallery @ Utropolis Batu Kawan
(Waze: https://shorturl.at/1TKvS)

RSVP now to celebrate Christmas: https://festive-event.property.cc/

Serene Villas in Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Master Community Developer Sunway Property hits RM1 billion in bookings within 3 months of the launch of The BIG Deal campaign across Klang Valley, Johor, Penang & Ipoh. Alongside the sales achievement recorded, Sunway Property also discovered consumer preferences and demand in homeownership across Malaysia, signalling evolving homebuyer priorities in 2026.

Early data from the campaign reveals strong demand for integrated developments and evidence that Sunway Property’s ecosystem — from strategic locations to after-sales care — continues to influence purchase decisions.

Evolving Buyer Preferences Point to Strong Demand for Integrated, Sustainable, and Future-Ready Living

In the Klang Valley, demand centred on practical mid-sized layouts within integrated, well-connected townships. Projects like Sunway Flora continued to attract family upgraders with strong 95% uptake for its 3- and 4-bedroom layouts. Meanwhile, the newly launched Sunway Cochrane saw 55% of units secured during its sales preview weekend. Its performance was driven by direct access to the award-winning Sunway Velocity township as well as seamless MRT connectivity. Developments within Sunway Property’s Build-Own-Operate (BOO) township ecosystem — where retail, medical, education, and mobility are all linked — recorded the highest traction. Based on these insights, there is a strong showcase of Klang Valley buyers’ preference for future-ready, convenience-led living.

Outside the Klang Valley, buyers continued to prioritise value, flexibility, sustainability, and integrated living. In Johor, Sunway Majestic, located near the RTS Link and in a highly liveable area, attracted strong interest from first-time homebuyers with its holistic offering — integrating the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Sunway Commercial Square (managed by Sunway Malls) alongside the calm serenity of lush greenery. Meanwhile, Sunway LakeHills’ prestigious address, privacy, and breathtaking lake views in a mature, high-end community appealed strongly to high-end buyers seeking an own-stay home.

On top of that, Sunway Maple Phase 1 sold out in just 2 hours, showcasing strong buyer confidence in the Sunway City Iskandar Puteri township and the opportunities in the upcoming JS-SEZ. Following strong market response, Sunway Maple Plus, the second phase of the development is slated for launch in mid-2026 with enhanced layouts and upgraded features. In Penang, Sunway Dora achieved a full take-up rate, driven by demand for practical family layouts and multi-generational options. Meanwhile, Ipoh’s Sunway Bayu continued to benefit from the Sunway City Ipoh township’s established ecosystem and proven long-term value, supported by strong rental yields and repeat purchasers. These trends collectively reinforce buyers’ strong appetite for integrated, well-managed communities across regions.

“Our achievement of RM1 billion in bookings continues to validate what we have long observed — today’s homebuyers are becoming increasingly more discerning. Through The BIG Deal campaign, we’ve seen clear demand for homes that go beyond four walls. People are more likely to value connectivity, lifestyle convenience, long-term value, and a developer who stays committed throughout generations,” said Chung Soo Kiong, Managing Director of Sunway Property.

Buyers Respond Cautiously but Optimistically Amid Economic Uncertainty

Amid ongoing market pressures, including persistent inflation and cautious lending conditions, Malaysia’s property sector continues to face a highly selective buyer landscape. Despite these external challenges, The BIG Deal campaign recorded RM1 billion in bookings, underscoring Sunway Property’s ability to generate demand even in a more restrained economic environment and reflecting both buyer confidence and the enduring appeal of Sunway’s communities.

“In a climate where many homebuyers are understandably cautious, we are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us. The strong response to The BIG Deal campaign reflects not only confidence in our products, but in our Master Community Developer way of building communities — where homes, amenities, connectivity, and care come together to support every generation. We will continue to honour that trust by shaping townships that grow with families, adapt to evolving lifestyles, and stand the test of time,” said Chung.

To learn more about the campaign and participating projects, please visit the Sunway Property website.