PENANG Hill Corporation (PHC) marked its 10th anniversary by rewarding 18 of its staff under the longest-serving and special appreciation categories.
PHC has a total of 130 staff in various departments in the corporation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the quiet celebration, said that through PHC, the Penang government was able to effectively play its role in hill sustainable development and other facilities surrounding the premises.
“All the efforts would not have been possible without the contribution by the staff here. Hence, it is right that they are given due credits.
“Thank you for all the contributions, and I hope that you will continue to do so in the years to come,” Chow said during the 10th anniversary celebration at the Penang Hill lower station in Penang Hill today.
The celebration was originally planned for last November but it was postponed several times due to the spike of the Covid-19 infections.
PHC was established in 2009 through an enactment passed by the Penang State Legislative Assembly.
Its main focus is to manage the funicular system, maintain and develop Penang Hill as a major eco-tourism destination; while its vision is to make Penang Hill the preferred hill resort in Malaysia and the region.
During the celebration, Chow said that over the years, the Penang government has invested an enormous amount of funds for the improvement and upgrading works of Penang Hill.
The state has vowed to continue to do so to enhance hill facilities, natural disaster mitigation works and slope stabilisation projects around the hill main areas.
“The funding also includes the refurbishment and restoration works at the state-owned heritage bungalows such as Edgecliff, as well as a few other conservation works that are in the pipeline.
“All these initiatives would not have been possible if not for PHC’s dedicated staff and pioneers who have contributed tremendously to the corporation’s work.
“They are the people whom we are celebrating today,” Chow added.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said while the corporation has spearheaded various initiatives for Penang Hill since its inception in 2009, the one achievement that would further intensify Penang’s international presence is when Penang Hill is recognised as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
“PHC’s application to see Penang Hill and its surrounding areas recognised as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve is an initiative that will intensify education for sustainable development and conservation through scientific research. It will also promote eco-tourism,” said Cheok during his speech.
Separately, in conjunction with PHC’s 10th anniversary, author Mike Gibby was present to premiere his newly-published book called The Bungalows of Penang Hill.
The book is published by Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd and sponsored by both The Habitat Penang Hill and PHC.
Also present during the celebration were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar and Penang Infrastructure Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan
Video Darwina Mohd Daud