TO mark the 100th anniversary of the Penang Hill funicular system this year, the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has launched its special edition fast lane ticket to the public this month.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the special edition fast lane ticket contains the images of all three generations of the funicular.
“The brown funicular represents the first-generation funicular, red represents the second-generation funicular and blue represents the current (third) generation funicular.
“The public can purchase the special edition fast lane ticket at the Penang Hill lower station counter.
“The special edition ticket is priced at RM40 for locals and RM80 for foreigners.
“The public can then keep it as their special collection or memory to mark the 100th anniversary of the Penang Hill funicular system,” Cheok said in his speech before state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin launched the special edition ticket at the Penang Hill lower station yesterday.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
According to Cheok, Penang Hill’s funicular is not only an iconic heritage for Penang but a national heritage that needs to be preserved.
He added that the 100-year-old funicular railway has been serving the residents, workers and visitors at the hill since its opening on Oct 21, 1923.
“The centenary celebration not only focuses on the funicular railway’s history but also Penang Hill’s transformation over the past century so that more people will appreciate its history, nature and cultural heritage.
“The duration of the celebration will be a year-long affair with various activities in place to mark the occasion, such as exhibitions on the history and significance of the railway, the publication of a coffee table book on the development of the funicular service for the last 100 years and many more.
“There will also be other commemorative merchandise and a line-up of exciting events, activities, documentary videos, social media contests and tenants’ promotions at Penang Hill.
“And the special edition funicular tickets, which are on sale since Jan 1 this year, are collectible tickets to mark the event too,” Cheok added.
Yeoh said Penang Hill is an iconic and popular attraction that has played a significant role in the Penang tourism landscape.
“It has also been visited by many notable dignitaries throughout the years and become the catalyst of economic activities for the local communities on the hill and its surrounding areas.
“Penang Hill has also been constantly featured in many episodes of television series and movies on local and international platforms, subsequently promoting the hill as one of the must-visit places when you are in Penang.
“Thus, we hope visitors can look forward to the fun and exciting activities that revolve around this attraction to create lasting memories for tourists and the locals,” he said.
According to Yeoh, the state government is also taking the initiative to steer the growth of the state’s tourism sector for the next eight years through sustainable, diversified and smart tourism.
“The strategic moves are to manage the future tourism challenges and enhance the tourist experience when visiting this state,” added Yeoh.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis