HAWANA: Police Boost Security And Traffic Control, Main Roads Stay Open

GEORGE TOWN, June 17 (Bernama) -- Penang police have assured that the level of security and traffic in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, near here, will be smooth without affecting the daily movements of local residents.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said various proactive measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth running of the prestigious event, including traffic management and comprehensive security control as implemented during the Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at the same location last year.

However, he said that the main roads around PICCA will not be closed throughout the programme to avoid disruption to road users and local residents.

"On the contrary, the traffic police will implement several road diversions for smooth traffic flow in the area, in addition to placing personnel at every major intersection to control the movement of vehicles.

"The strength of personnel assigned to security and traffic control is also the same as that implemented during the previous Malaysia Day celebration," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Azizee said his party had made thorough preparations to face the increase in visitor attendance throughout the three-day programme, thus ensuring the safety of guests, participants and the public is always maintained.

In this regard, he advised the public to obey the instructions of traffic personnel and plan their journeys in advance to avoid any congestion in the surrounding areas.

The HAWANA 2026 Summit, which will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20, is expected to bring together about 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad.

Taking up the theme "Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility", HAWANA 2026, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, is a culminating platform in appreciating the contributions, perseverance and professionalism of media practitioners in this country.

The RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, which will last for three days starting this Friday, is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors and bring together various local brands as well as interactive workshops that give the public the opportunity to explore various creative activities.

Riuh Pi HAWANA, which will bring together more than 24 local creative product brands as well as 20 food and beverage vendors, will also be enlivened with 16 stage performances featuring local artists such as Exists, Bunkfac, Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng with free admission.

-- BERNAMA