Gridlock in Penang as visitors take in the sights amid festive joy

Family all dressed for Hari Raya travel to spend holidays. ( April 10, 2024 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The heritage area and several major roads have been packed with motorists going about their shopping and sightseeing during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.

Many visitors, both locals and foreigners, dropped by tourist spots to snap photos, while others took trishaw rides to enjoy the scenic view.

K. Neha, 30, said she drove to town for some shopping as she was on leave, but found it difficult to get a parking spot.

“I wanted to buy some slacks at a popular store along Beach Street, but it was difficult as many cars were double-parked there.

“Luckily, my mum was with me and she waited for me in the car.

“It took me a while as the outlet was packed with tourists as well,” said the accountant.

Desmond Lim, 45, said traffic to the island was not that heavy as there were only a few heavy vehicles from Selangor to Penang.

“It took me about five hours to reach Penang, which is considered fast,” said the businessman.

“Traffic was smooth all the way back home to Jelutong as most factories were closed on the first day of Hari Raya.”

Mas Andriani Miftahulhuda from Cameron Highlands was spotted visiting several attractions near Armenian Street with her family.

The 22-year-old said it was a family tradition for them to travel together every year.

“We had purposely ordered a similar fabric design for our baju kurung and headscarf to match each other on Hari Raya.

“Normally, we would travel on the first day and spend quality time with each other.

“We visited Kuala Lumpur last year, so this year, we decided to visit Penang,” she said when met on Wednesday.

Mas Andriani, who was accompanied by her twin sister, a younger sister and her parents, said it was only a day trip and that they would visit their relatives on the following days.

“We arrived in the morning to visit several places and would leave by evening.

“On the second day, we would visit our relatives in Batu Gajah,” she said.

They were among many Muslim families who took the opportunity to visit various tourist attractions on the first day of Hari Raya.

Others, however, took the more traditional approach of spending the day at home with their families.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic was reported in several areas on the first day of Hari Raya.

Roads leading to mosques such as Masjid Hashim Yahaya in Jalan Perak were congested as thousands turned up to visit the graves of their loved ones.

By noon, traffic at other roads such as Jalan Utama, Jalan Kelawai and Weld Quay within the city’s heritage enclave were at a crawl as tourists took advantage of the holidays to travel.

Foreign workers from factories, who were off from work, also spent time visiting several attractions.

To help alleviate congestion in Air Itam, shuttle bus services were provided at Penang Hill from 9am to 9pm until Sunday.

The service is running between the Komtar bus terminal and Penang Hill lower station.