OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PENANG HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA 2017

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PENANG
HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA 2017

4 Feb 2017
Padang Polo Penang

Ladies & gentlemen

Thank you for being present here at Padang Polo to witness the 3rd consecutive Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta by the Penang State Government. We are proud that this is the only Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in the country after the Putrajaya event was ended last year. The State Government spent RM900,000 for this event in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The festival has brought 15 big balloons from all over the world which incidentally is one of the highlights for Visit Penang Year 2017. Themed ‘Where The Excitement Never Ends’, Visit Penang Year continues its 3rd successive year showcasing vibrant and exciting events that include religious, cultural and arts happening throughout the year. Adding to this unending excitement, visitors to Penang can also experience the amazing new attractions here such as Entopia, The Habitat @Penang Hill, The Top @KOMTAR, Penang Tech Dome and Design Village. It’s no wonder that Penang is being touted by international media – recently, CNN listed Penang as ‘One of the 17 best places to visit in 2017’.

Early yesterday morning, 8 hot air balloons took off from Padang Awam Jawi in the mainland which was quite a magnificent sight. It’s the first time that we had 8 free flying balloons in Penang.

Before ending my speech, I would like to thank the following organisations involved in this festival:

Organiser : AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd
Supported by : City Council of Penang Island (MBPP)
& Penang Global Tourism
Co-organiser : TLM Event
Official Radio Stations: Mix FM, Lite FM, Sinar FM and Melody FM
Sponsor : IJM Land Bhd
Vehicle Sponsor : Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd
Partners : Grab and Penang Penang Hop-On Hop-Off
In collaboration with : Tourism Malaysia

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year and Visit Penang Year 2017,we hereby officially launch the only Hot Air Balloon Festival in Malaysia- Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2017!

Thank you.