For the first time, the St Anne’s Feast in Bukit Mertajam will feature real-time GPS tracking of its candlelight procession floats. Buletin Mutiara reports that Digital Penang has deployed a live location system that lets spectators follow the procession’s route through an online platform.
The GPS-based service, accessible at https://gqr.sh/wEwV, allows the public to monitor each float’s position and progress along the route. The procession is scheduled to begin at 8.30pm on Saturday, 25 July. According to Digital Penang, the system aims to help spectators track the procession in real time while demonstrating how technology can support large-scale religious and cultural events.
The St Anne’s Feast has been celebrated at the Minor Basilica of St Anne since the parish was established in 1846. What began as a small local observance developed into a major international pilgrimage in 1918 under Father Michael Seet. The feast, observed annually on 26 July, attracts pilgrims from across the country and abroad. The church was elevated to Minor Basilica status in 2019, underscoring its significance in global Catholicism.
To manage the expected crowds, The Star reports that Central Seberang Prai police have announced phased road closures from 25 to 26 July. ACP Nik Aminuddin Raja Abdullah said traffic control measures will be in place throughout the celebration. Jalan Kulim, from the Caltex petrol station to the Taman Bukit Indah traffic lights, will be closed from 9am on 25 July until 2pm on 26 July.
Rolling closures along Jalan Kampung Baru and Jalan Berjaya will take effect from 7pm to 11pm on 25 July to accommodate the candlelight procession. Motorists heading from Kulim to Bukit Mertajam can detour via Jalan Rozhan or Jalan Sepakat, continuing through Jalan Muhibbah and Jalan Kampung Baru. Those travelling in the opposite direction may use Jalan Kampung Baru towards Jalan Berjaya, then onto Jalan Song Ban Kheng.
“All roads affected will be reopened and resume normal operations by 2pm on Sunday,” ACP Nik Aminuddin said, urging motorists to plan their journeys and follow designated alternative routes.
The introduction of GPS tracking marks a shift in how Penang manages its major cultural events. Digital Penang’s initiative signals the state’s push to modernise event logistics while preserving the traditions that have made the St Anne’s Feast one of Southeast Asia’s most significant Catholic pilgrimages.
