THE Penang Hill Cable Car project, slated for construction starting next month or no later than June, enjoys widespread support from the locals.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the 2.7km cable car route linking Botanic Gardens to the summit of Penang Hill would significantly invigorate the tourism sector upon its completion within three years.
Tony Leng, president of Hikers Roundtable, an alliance of hiking groups fervently advocating for the use of MAS-Tags to mitigate trail litter, wholeheartedly supports the implementation of the Penang Hill Cable Car project in his hometown. His endorsement stems from a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience gained from hiking diverse hills and mountains worldwide.
With an engineering background, Leng, born and bred in Penang, is dedicated to enhancing the state’s infrastructure. His commitment to community development was evident during his involvement in the post-tsunami reconstruction of Bandar Aceh, where he contributed under a German initiative.
“As someone with a technical background, I see this Penang Hill Cable Car project as a clear net positive for Penang both now and in the foreseeable future. This means its benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
“At Hikers Roundtable, we strive to adopt a holistic perspective. We understand that any development initiative inevitably carries both positive and negative aspects. We also acknowledge the diversity of opinions surrounding such projects, which we believe is healthy for informed decision-making. The Penang Hill Cable Car project is no exception to this principle.
“Even a seemingly minor trail cutting through the jungle may raise concern, but it is important to recognise that providing access to the rainforest enables thousands of people to appreciate its rich biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of its flora and fauna.
“We are mindful of the environmental impact, including the necessary removal or relocation of trees, which is often unavoidable in development projects. However, we strive to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid advocating for an extremist stance that prohibits any tree removal or relocation.
“The Penang Hill, as a natural asset, offers an invaluable experiential learning opportunity and stunning coastline views. This serves as a poignant reminder for urban dwellers of our connection to the natural world.
“Moreover, this project will help accelerate the appreciation for our environment and raise awareness of sustainability practices.
“Riding on cable car offers a bird’s eye view of the environment, leaving an unforgettable impression on future nature enthusiasts and inspiring young minds to embrace sustainability.
“This low-impact cable car initiative is suitable for Penang and is poised to become an important landmark for Penang.
“Considering visitors’ safety is crucial, especially relying solely on the funicular train for transportation to the hill. What happens when fallen trees or rocks block the track?
“Thus, a sustainable Plan B is necessary. Although a jeep service is available for transportation up and down the hill, its capacity is limited. Imagine accommodating 1,000 tourists, with each jeep carrying only four passengers. The resulting increase in jeep trips would lead to significant diesel emissions, which is unacceptable for those prioritising environmental conservation.
“Moreover, the maintenance needs of the funicular track, which may require temporary shutdowns lasting a week or two, could adversely affect the sustainability of businesses on Penang Hill.
“Hence, the cable car project emerges as an overwhelming favourable option. It provides a balanced approach to addressing these challenges, ensuring smoother operations and promoting sustainable development.”
Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng, chairman of the Association of Tourism Attractions Penang (ATAP), expressed his enthusiasm for the cable car project. He noted it would be another notable tourism asset for the state.
“In addition to offering tourists a bird’s eye view, the project undoubtedly enhances our tourism offerings.
“Most importantly, attention must be paid to safety, understanding the equipment, and ensuring a solid foundation for construction. Parking spaces must be sufficient in the areas.
“Overall, this is a great direction and project.”
Clement Liang, the president of the Penang Tourist Guides Association, said the project would ease the transportation congestion to Penang Hill.
“This cable car project is a good alternative. However, the choice of base station location also needs to be carefully considered to avoid traffic bottlenecks and congestion in specific areas,” Liang said.
Azhar Hassan, a 61-year-old retiree from Penang, prefers the Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill to remain as they are.
“Penang is a small island, and we have already existing infrastructure, like the train to Bukit Bendera (Penang Hill) and a jeep track up there. Why introduce another project that could potentially disrupt the natural greenery?
“This project is going to affect some trees. Penang is already congested, so this project will make Penang worse. This is my opinion.
“There are certainly pros and cons.
“The important thing is to take care of the current traffic situation, and not this development. Like how to widen the roads.
“However, I support the construction of the LRT project, despite the inconveniences it may cause road users for a few years during the construction phase.
“We need something in town to promote public transportation,” said Azhar during a breakfast at the hawkers’ complex near Botanic Gardens, accompanied by a friend, Kamalia Omar, today.
Alex Ng, a student, said the cable car project would help alleviate crowding at the lower station of Penang Hill once it is completed.
“Being a well-known landmark in Penang, the addition of a cable car is poised to attract more tourists.
“However, when it is completed, regular maintenance and repair work will be needed to ensure it operates smoothly and avoid any potential negative consequences,” Ng said.
At the lower station of Penang Hill, a family from Yan, Kedah, was among the many tourists purchasing tickets to use the funicular train journey up the hill.
Shukri Abdullah, 35, who works in the hotel industry, said he took the opportunity during his Raya break to bring his wife, Noor Ain Abdullah, 32, their six-year-old son, Sufi Ashraf, and Noor Ain’s sisters – Izzati Hosman, 24, and Harnanai Hosman, 22, on a short trip to Penang.
“This is our first time taking the funicular train to Penang Hill. We will come back again when the cable car project is ready. We want to experience the thrill of riding the cable car and enjoy the panoramic views from high above,” Shukri said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of Penang Hill Corporation
