FBP 2025 Positions Balik Pulau As Cultural Tourism Hub

BALIK PULAU, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Balik Pulau Festival 2025 (FBP 2025) is positioning the area as a key cultural tourism destination in Penang, highlighting its rich arts, heritage and traditional cuisine beyond its famed durians.

National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) deputy director-general (Policy and Planning) Mohd Radzi Omar said the festival, first introduced in 2019, also boosts Penang’s economy by benefiting cultural entrepreneurs and art practitioners.

“This event showcases the diversity of Penang’s cultural heritage and is crucial in sustaining the state’s cultural tourism industry,” he told reporters at the festival’s closing ceremony at Balik Pulau Sports Complex today.

The ceremony was officiated by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hong Wai and attended by Balik Pulau Member of Parliament Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.

Mohd Radzi said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) approved RM1.38 million in cultural sector grants to 25 Penang cultural associations and companies last year, with RM490,000 approved so far this year to further boost activities.

Ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, he said similar cultural festivals have been held in Perlis, Perak and Kelantan, with upcoming events planned in Kedah, Terengganu and other states.

Wong said the festivals help promote Penang’s cultural identity and provide economic spillovers, particularly for rural and suburban communities.

Muhammad Bakhtiar expressed hope the event would be listed as an annual tourism calendar highlight.

FBP 2025, themed Kembali Riuh di Lik Lau, was the second edition organised by MOTAC through JKKN in collaboration with the Balik Pulau MP’s office and Warmina Penang Association.

The three-day event, which began Friday, featured cultural performances, religious activities, competitions and local entrepreneur exhibitions.

-- BERNAMA