THE Penang Hill cable car project is making steady progress, with a strong focus on minimising environmental impact.
Both state leaders and project stakeholders have stressed their commitment to protecting Penang Hill’s natural landscape while advancing the highly anticipated infrastructure.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari highlighted the environmentally conscious approach taken during construction.
“We are trying to save as many trees as possible.
“The construction process reflects our commitment to protecting the environment, demonstrating how much effort is going into ensuring sustainability,” he said during a site visit today.
This commitment is echoed in the project’s unconventional approach to managing trees.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng explained: “Rather than cutting trees based on initial analysis, towers are first built and evaluate on-site.
“This allows us to decide whether to cut, trim or avoid cutting trees altogether.
“It is an extra effort and investment by Hartasuma, showing our dedication to preserving the environment,” Cheok said.
The Penang Hill cable car project is one of the most anticipated developments in the state, poised to elevate the status of Penang Hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens.
Conceived by the PHC in partnership with Hartasuma Sdn Bhd through a public-private partnership (PPP), the project features a world-class cable car system supplied by Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, an Austria-based global leader in ropeway technology.
The project, which is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, is currently progressing as planned.
Zairil noted that early works are nearly complete.
According to the statement by PHC, initial activities focus on caisson work at the Garden Station, Hill Station, and several towers, alongside significant site preparation efforts.
“Everything is on track, and PHC is closely monitoring the project,” Zairil said.
Testing and commissioning are expected to follow after the project is completed, with the cable car system ready to open in 2027.
Cheok also underscored the complexities of building a cable car system, which spans multiple locations, each with unique design and planning requirements.
“We are working very closely with Hartasuma and are fortunate to have strong support from the state government and various agencies.
“Their attention to detail ensures everything is done according to proper procedures,” he said.
Regular site visits and collaborative meetings have been integral to the project’s progress.
“Every step of the way, we conduct proper site meetings to make informed decisions,” Cheok added.
Among those present at the site visit this morning were state Deputy Secretary (development) Datuk Mohd Zakuan Zakaria, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng, and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd Group executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar