While having lunch earlier at the temporary food stalls at TPS Pantai Mas, Batu Ferringhi, I was approached by one of the hawker stall owners and asked to sign a petition regarding their concerns and hopes for better facilities.
I thought it would be more constructive to write this note instead, both to acknowledge what has been done well, and to share a few observations that may help improve the experience for locals, hawkers, and tourists alike.
FIRST, CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE
Firstly, kudos to the quick response in rebuilding and relocating the tourist stalls after the fire. Providing food stalls and simple toy vendors for children near the beach was a good and necessary move. It helped restore activity to the area and gave families a reason to return.
I fully understand that this structure is temporary, and expectations should be set accordingly.
That said, there are a few areas worth reviewing.
1. DESIGN, CLEANLINESS, AND SAFETY
Because the structure is temporary, it is understandable that the design was not deeply thought through. However, the current seating areas, especially those outside as shown in the pictures, are not very clean and are visually unappealing.
More worryingly, some time ago, while a group of tourists were having lunch, a group of macaques climbed onto the uncovered areas above and urinated and defecated directly into their food. Surely this is not the kind of memory we want visitors to take home from Penang.
We would much rather tourists remember Penang for its hospitality, warmth, and food, not incidents like these. This is something we should feel deeply concerned about.
2. HAWKERS AND HUMAN CONNECTION
I eat there often. The food is good, the hawkers are friendly, and they engage well with both locals and foreigners. They are, in many ways, face to face Malaysian ambassadors on the ground. Their human warmth is very Malaysian and is something worth encouraging and protecting.
3. LAYOUT AND FLOW OF THE SPACE
The design and placement of the structure could benefit from rethinking.
Previously, before the fire, the stalls were positioned more thoughtfully. Now, they are pushed forward without proper parking space or pedestrian flow. Perhaps it would make sense to return closer to the original concept with some improvements:
• Push kitchens to the extreme left and right
• Allow seating to be more central
• Create a clear and pleasant walkway leading towards the beach – decorate it well
• Use transparent roofing to create better ambience and natural lighting
This would improve both movement and atmosphere.
4. LOSS OF A FAMILY FRIENDLY PUBLIC SPACE
Since the fire, the area once occupied by the stalls has been fenced off and left vacant. This was previously a place where ordinary Malaysians, especially B40 families, brought their children to enjoy Batu Ferringhi affordably.
It was one of the few places where families of all races could gather, enjoy free parking, walk to the beach, shower, and eat together. Today, that space is no longer active, and the loss is felt.
5. BALANCE BETWEEN PREMIUM AND PUBLIC SPACES
While it is good to encourage higher end developments like the Ferringhi Bay, we must be careful not to forget ordinary Malaysians, especially those who need affordable and welcoming spaces.
I used to see crowds of families from all backgrounds enjoying weekends here. Today, that atmosphere is much reduced.
6. PARKING ISSUES
Parking has become very difficult. As shown in the pictures, when I was leaving the area, an incoming car had to reverse directly onto the main road, creating unsafe and congested conditions.
Frankly, the current parking arrangement is problematic and deserves urgent attention.
WE CAN DO BETTER
This note is written in the spirit of care, not criticism. I love Penang, and I love Batu Ferringhi. It is multicultural Malaysia by the sea.
Last but not least, Batu Ferringhi is not just a tourist destination. It is part of Penang’s social fabric. With small but thoughtful improvements, this space can once again be welcoming, safe, and dignified for hawkers, families, and visitors alike.
Thank you for listening.
Peace,
Anas
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