'Where will we go?': Elderly lament Penang Turf Club closure [WATCH]

New Straits Times

4 days ago

GEORGE TOWN: As the final race at the historic Penang Turf Club (PTC) is held today, a quiet but heartfelt plea comes not for the horses or trophies, but for the people who call it home.
Leading this plea is 83-year-old Tan Joon Long @ Tan Chow Kang, who, along with his wife, have been loyal patrons since the early 1980s.
Tan, a retired Kedah executive council member, said they have been visiting the PTC since they were 39.
"This place gave us a routine, friends, memories. Now, if it closes, we elderly patrons really have nowhere else to go," he told the New Straits Times during a recent visit to the PTC.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Penang Turf Club committee, Tan urged them to reconsider the full closure of the 160-year-old institution.
While acknowledging that horse racing on the track may no longer be financially viable, he appealed for part of the club to remain open as a recreational venue.
"We understand that the club is losing money and attendance has dropped. The big trophies are costly and ticket sales are low, we get that.
"But we are not asking for full-scale racing any more. Just a small area to stay open, so we can continue watching international races, like those from Hong Kong or Australia. We are happy just to spend time here," he said.
Tan's plea goes beyond nostalgia.
For many elderly patrons, the PTC has long been a second home — a place not only for racing but for social interaction, mental stimulation and emotional well-being.
"Coming here keeps our minds active. We don't want to end up sitting alone at home, slowly forgetting things.
"Watching races and discussing tips helps keep our brains sharp."
Tan said he speaks for many elderly patrons whose concerns often go unheard.
He had considered starting a petition but found the logistics challenging.
"So I wrote the letter instead, on behalf of all of us," he added.
In his appeal, Tan also suggested raising the entrance fee from RM9 to RM20 or even RM30 to help cover air-conditioning and maintenance costs.
"We don't mind paying more, as long as the place doesn't close completely.
"We know times are tough, and even those who raise the horses are struggling, but we're willing to do our part," he said.
He also pointed out the club's value as a tourist attraction. "Penang is an international tourism hotspot. If part of the club remains open, visitors from other states or countries can come. It will benefit the state, too," he said.
Founded in 1864 and relocated to its current site near Bukit Gantung in 1939, the Penang Turf Club is the oldest in the country.
It carries a rich colonial legacy, is one of Asia's few remaining international-grade racecourses, and holds a special place in Penang's social and architectural heritage.
The PTC recently announced that the full dissolution process is expected to take up to two years.
While 318 out of 320 members voted in favour of closure at a special general meeting, public sentiment — especially among older patrons — tells a different story.
"We sincerely hope the chief minister will speak with the committee," Tan said.
"We know the final decision rests with the club, but we ask, please don't shut us out completely. This place is more than horses. It's our memory. It's our life," he added.