The Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) is accelerating its efforts to complete the initial phase of hoarding works at the key sites involved in the highly anticipated Penang Hill Cable Car project. The hoarding works, which involve the Garden Station, Hill Station, Turn Station, and the proposed car park building, are essential in keeping the public informed about the project’s progress.

According to an interview with Buletin Mutiara, PHC General Manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng stated that hoardings have already been installed at the Garden Station and Hill Station, with ongoing work at the Turn Station. Although the hoardings at the Garden Station are technically complete, PHC plans to enhance them with graphic displays that will showcase the project’s development and the final appearance once completed.

One significant delay is anticipated at the car park building site, due to ongoing efforts to relocate hawkers currently operating opposite the Penang Botanic Gardens Department. The multi-storey car park, proposed for this location, is a crucial part of the cable car project. Cheok explained that while hoardings at the back of the hawker centre, near the river, have been completed, work on the front part can only proceed once the hawkers have been moved to a temporary site nearby. PHC aims to relocate the hawkers by September 30, allowing them to resume operations by October 1. Once the car park is completed, the hawkers will return to their original location, which will be integrated into a complex offering leisure and dining options for visitors.

In addition to the hoarding works, PHC is planning significant construction activities, including the installation of pylons, cable car equipment, and a walkway connecting the multi-storey car park to the Garden Station. To ensure public awareness and transparency, PHC intends to provide regular updates on its social media platforms. Cheok emphasized the importance of clear communication, particularly with stakeholders such as residents living near the Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill, to address any potential disruptions like road diversions or construction methods.

The Penang Hill Cable Car project is a major initiative led by the state government through PHC. The project, which operates on a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DFBOT) basis, has been awarded to Hartasuma, a pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry. Hartasuma, which has secured a 30-year concession for the cable car, has appointed Austria-based Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, a leader in the ropeway market, to supply the cable car system. Doppelmayr’s extensive experience includes over 15,400 ropeway installations worldwide, making it a trusted partner for this ambitious project.

The Penang Hill Cable Car project, with an investment of RM245 million, saw its groundbreaking ceremony on June 29, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The project is expected to enhance Penang’s tourism offerings, with visitor turnout at Penang Hill already showing promising numbers. From July to August, the hill attracted an average of 4,000 visitors daily on weekdays, and nearly 7,000 on weekends. This balanced visitor turnout is a positive trend, reflecting the hill’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.

PHC is also committed to maintaining the funicular service on Penang Hill, with daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance routines in place. Swiss engineers visit twice a year to service the funicular coaches, ensuring that the system remains reliable and operational.

As PHC continues its work on the Penang Hill Cable Car project, the corporation remains focused on delivering a world-class attraction that will enhance the region’s appeal and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

*Image source: Buletin Mutiara