By V. Sivaji
The grand opening ceremony of the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) @ Tanjong took place yesterday evening at Armenian Park, drawing crowds eager to celebrate Penang’s world-renowned cuisine.
The event is featuring numerous booths and stalls showcasing the very best of Penang’s delicacies and street food favourites.
Among the distinguished guests present were YB Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Tanjong; YB Wong Hon Wai, State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy; veteran statesman Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang and several elected representatives including RSN Rayer (MP for Jelutong), YB Joseph Ng (Assemblyman for Air Itam), YB Wong Yuee Harng (Assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota) and YB Teh Lai Heng (Assemblyman for Komtar) among others.
Also lending their support were His Excellency Mr Psusist Wongsurawat, Consul General of Thailand in Penang; Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism and Abdul Hadi Che Man, Northern Region Director of Tourism Malaysia.
In her speech, YB Lim Hui Ying highlighted Penang’s enduring commitment to heritage and culture.
“Penang has long been celebrated as a state that values and protects its heritage. My constituency, Tanjong, is not only the heart of George Town but also the soul of Penang — where history, culture, and community come together in harmony,” she said.
“Tourism is one of the key drivers of Penang’s vibrancy — bringing life to our streets, opportunities to our communities, and recognition to our state on the world stage. As we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), Penang is ready to play a leading role in welcoming visitors from around the world. And one of the biggest attractions that continues to draw people to Penang is our food.”
Lim added that Penang’s culinary landscape reflects its multicultural heritage.
“From nasi kandar to char koay teow, from asam laksa to hokkien mee, and from pasembur to ais kacang — every bite tells the story of our Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian communities coming together on one plate.”
She also announced that the festival will continue next weekend, 8–9 November, at COEX @ Kilang Besi, Hin Bus Depot, and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, before culminating with the closing weekend on 15–16 November at Beach Street.
Meanwhile, Wong expressed excitement over Penang’s vibrant calendar of events as the year draws to a close.
“As we step into November and December, Penang is once again alive with excitement. The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the golden peak of tourism. Ten major events are lined up in the coming months and leading the way this evening is the Penang International Food Festival @ Tanjong,” he said.
Wong shared highlights of the upcoming events, including: The 14th Penang International High Pole Lion Dance Invitational Competition at Shanghai Paradise Food Court (Icon City) next weekend, The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 from November 28–30 at Straits Quay Retail Marina, The Penang State Christmas Celebration on December 6, 2025, at St. George’s Church along Farquhar Street, The Penang Bridge International Marathon on December 14, gathering runners from around the world, And finally, the year-end Chingay Parade, to be held on both Penang Island and Seberang Perai.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic drum performance led by the VIPs, followed by lively entertainment including lion dance performances, mask-changing acts and musical numbers that kept the festive atmosphere alive throughout the evening. You too can still join the event which ends later today
