Suggestive roundabout sign near Seri Tanjung Pinang taken down by MBPP after internet uproar
A controversial orange traffic sign at a roundabout near Seri Tanjung Pinang has been dismantled temporarily following intervention by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran has confirmed.
Located along Gurney Drive, the sign achieved unexpected internet fame after photographs revealed its unfortunate design—a minimalist roundabout diagram that bore an unmistakable resemblance to male anatomy, complete with directional text pointing toward Tanjung Bungah, Bagan Jermal, Jalan Kelawai and George Town.
The unintentionally suggestive imagery sparked a wave of amusement, jokes and disbelief across social media platforms.
Rajendran clarified that the developer had installed the signage, prompting the council to demand its replacement.
“The installation was carried out by Tanjong Pinang (developer). We instructed them to modify it, and they have since taken it down,” he informed theSun.
Photographs shared on the PenangToday Community Facebook page quickly garnered over 150 reactions and dozens of comments, with many netizens expressing regret at not witnessing the inadvertently comedic sign before its removal.
“Haiyaaa… missed the chance to take a photo with it,” Sam Ooi lamented.
ASDFWASD suggested: “Should have left it there so that lots of people will take photos until it became attraction.”
Some questioned why authorities felt compelled to remove it.
“Why take it down? Then how do road users get informed of the new traffic diversion?” Boon Ewe inquired.
Others initially doubted the sign’s authenticity.
“Seriously, when it went viral, I thought it was just edited. But then it’s actually true… Hahaha,” Muhamad Hizir commented.
A few defended the sign’s technical accuracy, seemingly oblivious to its visual implications.
“I don’t see anything wrong with that sign. It’s factually accurate and precise based on the real road design,” Peter Wong remarked.
Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD), a subsidiary of Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O), holds concession rights to Seri Tanjung Pinang, a waterfront township constructed on reclaimed land.
Under such concession agreements, developers are responsible for constructing and maintaining infrastructure within their projects, while roads remain open for public use.
Despite its swift removal, the sign’s viral legacy persisted online, with countless shares and memes cementing its place in Penang’s internet folklore.
“The world already knows and it’s been circulating like ‘wild fire’… LOL,” Andy Ong wrote.
