Last-minute shopping: People walking about at Little India in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: More holidaymakers are expected to visit the George Town heritage enclave during the long Deepavali weekend that starts tomorrow, but businesses here are not expecting a boost.
A souvenir shop owner who wished to be known only as Koay, 50, said business has been slow in recent months.
“I expect this holiday to be just similar to other weekends.
“As this is a national-level holiday, I expect more visitors to be locals, so prices have to be competitive.
“I’ll operate an hour earlier and close about two hours later than usual during the three days to make the most out of the period,” she said.
Coconut drink and durian seller Tan Teik Chuan, 36, said he will not be increasing his stock during this period.
“I will not order extra but continue to stock up daily as usual to ensure what I sell is fresh.
“Operating hours will remain from 8am to 7pm and I will operate throughout the three days.
“If I can sell off everything early, I will end the day earlier, but chances of it are slim seeing the crowds during previous holidays,” he said yesterday.
Trishaw peddlers, however, are hoping to make more trips from those holidaying in Penang.
Muhamad Zaiful Khamis, 29, said he will start his day earlier during that period in hopes of being the “early bird”.
“Mornings are ideal for trishaw rides around the city as it is cooler and locals don’t care for the afternoon heat.
“Instead of starting at about 2pm normally, I’ll start my shift at 10am during this period.
“Each trip takes about an hour and hopefully I will make more than usual, as families usually come in larger numbers,” he said.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will be taking proactive measures during the long festive weekend to ensure smooth traffic, said its mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
“Enforcement personnel will be almost fully mobilised and their leave will be limited to ensure that there are enough of them in the field.
“Traffic will be monitored through the use of CCTV cameras in hotspots to ensure smooth traffic flow.
“The cameras equipped with speakers will also be used to make announcements and warn drivers who park their vehicles haphazardly and cause traffic obstruction.
“Enforcement personnel will be stationed at hotspots such as Jalan Padang Kota Lama, Persiaran Gurney, Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera and Jalan Penang to monitor the situation and control traffic flow to reduce traffic congestion.
“Traffic lights will be monitored to ensure that all of them are working properly throughout the festive period,” he said, adding that contractors will also be placed on standby so that any repairs can be carried out as quickly as possible.
Rajendran said to further keep traffic clear, a notice has been issued to public utility companies to stop road earthworks for a week from Nov 9-15.
