PENANG Hill has become a household name for many visitors.
Despite that, how many visitors know about the history and tales behind the transformation of Penang Hill?
So, to better equip the public with the knowledge of Penang Hill’s history, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) together with the state’s think tank, Penang Institute, have launched a special book known as ‘The Great Hill: A Short History of Penang Hill’.
Published as part of the centenary celebrations of the Penang Hill railway this year, The Great Hill captures many tales of Penang Hill’s transformation and deep legacy from various aspects in the form of a short, informative and easily readable history.
The book was written by a staffer of Penang Institute, Enzo Sim.
Sim said readers would be astounded by many of the tales told in the book about Penang Hill.
“As a Penangite who is highly passionate about the history of Penang, writing the remarkable history of Penang Hill, a place that I have always held dearly in my heart since childhood, was not an easy task to accomplish.
“Without the assistance and guidance given to me by numerous people and friends along the way, I would not have been able to complete this book.
“So I hope through this book, people will be able to learn and appreciate the history of Penang Hill, its transformation, and deep legacy,” Sim said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched the book at the Penang Institute office in Jalan Brown today.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, The Habitat Penang Hill managing director Allen Tan and Penang Institute executive director Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng.
Sim added that the public could get the book at the Penang Hill lower station at the price of RM40.
He also thanked Dr Ooi, Cheok and several others for their help and support in launching the book.
“First of all, I would like to thank Dr Ooi for offering me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and entrusting me with the task of writing this book.
“I sincerely thank him for taking the time to edit the manuscript and to guide me in the final stages of the book.
“I would also like to thank Datuk Cheok for his support, and state Museum and Art Gallery director Haryany Mohamad and her team for generously providing me with high-definition scans of historic images of Penang Hill which were taken from old picture postcards; and for the permission to use this museum collection in this book.
“I also owe much to the personnel at PHC for showing me the various locations on Penang Hill, and for helping in countless ways,” he said.
Chow, who is also the PHC and Penang Institute chairman, said he was delighted that PHC and Penang Institute had created a succinct and easy-to-read book that will assist in preserving the history and heritage of Penang Hill.
“I take this opportunity to also congratulate the author, Enzo Sim, for his diligent research and his flair for writing, in stringing together the stories of Penang Hill to give us this book.
“I have no doubt that this effort will spawn more aspiring writers to venture into writing about the many aspects of Penang’s history,” he said.
According to Chow, knowing history could help a person understand how the present came about.
“As the chairman, I am fully aware that it is the ambition of both PHC and Penang Institute to capture as many aspects of Penang’s history as possible,” Chow said.
Cheok expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Penang Institute for collaborating with PHC to realise this meaningful project.
“As readers flip through the pages of this book, be prepared to travel back to the past and relive the history of Penang Hill.
“From the early days of the glorious Penang Hill railway to the dark tales of the hill, this book is suitable for both local Penangites and those who travel from far to marvel at the hill.
“While there are plenty of books written about the hill, this book is certainly a good addition to your shelf as it captures the essence of Penang Hill.
“I hope all of you will have a wonderful time reading this book and be awed by the many wonders of Penang Hill.
“And to the author, Sim, congratulations and thank you for ‘bringing back to live’ another piece of Penang Hill’s colourful history,” he said.
Cheok also announced that The Great Hill book is one of the few books that PHC would be publishing this year in conjunction with the Penang Hill railway centenary celebration.
“If you have not followed Penang Hill’s social media accounts, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to do so. Keep your eyes peeled for our next two book launches and other exciting activities,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat