“Please don’t come, it’s very jam!”: Penangites conjure up reasons to shoo away CNY revellers

 

PENANG is a top tourist destination. There is no doubt of that. Though the millions of visitors bring welcome economic benefits to the island, there are downsides to being a popular getaway.

Large uncivilised hordes of entitled tourists, extra-long queues at popular makan spots and the horrendous traffic are a few setbacks which irk the local residents.

In fact, they seem to be the chief concern among Penangites who were responding to a post by the Penang Today Community Facebook page moderator Aun Chuan who shared a Malay Mail report of the impending flood of tourists during the forthcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) holidays.

It was reported that the Jewel of the Orient is expected to have an estimated two million vehicles travelling through – enter or exit – during the six-day period of the Lunar New Year between Feb 15 and 20.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the cops expect congestion at most highways, federal roads and state roads during this period as many outstation folks will be taking the opportunity to “balik kampung” (returning to hometown) during the festive period.

Unwelcome gesture

Whatever the reason, Penangites are bracing themselves for the massive influx of smartphone-clutching tourists looking for their next Instgrammable moment. Some though have even resorted to pleas for visitors to NOT come to Penang this festive season!

This is because Penangites themselves would also be visiting relatives during CNY while many shops would be closed.

Traffic congestion was also used as a deterrent to shoo away tourists. What fun is there to be stuck in traffic just like in Kuala Lumpur?

Narrow roads, LRT (light rail transit) construction, hot weather and fallen trees were also added to the reasons why tourists should stay away as Year of the Fire Horse looms.

Some observed that there already seemed to be a large influx of tourists every weekend or at least every holiday season (which is perhaps inevitable in view of the on-going Visit Malaysia Year 2026).

It was also surmised that these terrible jams with “no parking space” would lead to visitors having a bad experience themselves and then spread negative reviews of their trip to Penang.

Some Penangites have even planned their annual escape to coincide with this flood of humanity that will seemingly fill up every well-known eatery on the island. Though one did note that the traffic jams elsewhere were just as bad.

One commenter even cheekily suggested closing the Penang Bridge the halt the flow.

Such an exodus even prompted one Penangite to flee the island permanently.

Thankfully, some Penangites recognise the economic boon such large number of visitors bring to the island.

One did note that the island feels more alive during these festive seasons.

There are always two sides to the coin. Economic prosperity inevitably comes at a cost, the most obvious drawback for Penangites is the nightmarish traffic congestion.

That is the price to pay when your home state has carved out an unenviable reputation for great food and wonderful tourist attractions. It would be utterly tragic if the opposite were to happen – all the hard work to make Penang a tourist attraction and nobody comes. – Focus Malaysia