CJMY
Construction of the highly anticipated Penang Hill cable car project is set to commence in the second quarter of next year, according to Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, the general manager of Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).
The project, aimed at enhancing tourism and accessibility, has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders.
While the PHC is enthusiastic about the project and its potential long-term benefits, concerns have been raised since late last year by environmental groups and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) regarding its impact on the fragile hill environment and public health.
Penang Hill Cable Car: Construction plans and technical details
Cheok revealed that PHC is in the final stages of determining the technical aspects of the cable car project, including the alignment and the locations of the pylons along the hillside. These decisions are critical, as the hillside serves as the island’s green lungs.
After completing these preparations, PHC will proceed with the necessary permits, such as the traffic impact assessment (TIA) and environmental impact assessment (EIA), which will be submitted to government agencies for approval.
This preliminary phase is expected to take between nine to 12 months, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in the second quarter of next year.
Experts from Switzerland and Austria, renowned for their cable car systems, will visit Penang to assess the alignment next week. Their expertise will contribute to ensuring the cable car project is built to last for decades, drawing inspiration from cable cars in other UNESCO biosphere sites known for their sensitive environments.
The alignment confirmation is a crucial step before proceeding with the required reports for project approvals.
Project plans and stakeholder collaboration
The Penang Hill cable car project encompasses several plans aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Among the proposed initiatives is the construction of a multi-storey car park near the Penang Botanic Gardens, which will serve as the lower station for the cable car.
This facility aims to address traffic concerns and provide convenient access for tourists and locals alike. Furthermore, efforts will be made to create beautiful landscapes around the lower station area, adding aesthetic value to the project.
Penang Hill Corporation chairman, Chow Kon Yeow, announced last year that Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, a local rail industry pioneer, won the bid for the cable car project. Hartasuma was selected based on several factors, including financial capability, proposed cable car system provider, technical and operational capabilities, environmental protection measures, and their proposal during the bidding process.
The project, awarded through a public-private partnership, will involve an investment of RM245 million by Hartasuma and will be operated under a 30-year concession period.
Concerns on the Penang Hill Cable Car project
The proposed Penang Hill cable car project has faced criticism from environmental groups and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).
CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader called for the cancellation of the project late last year, emphasizing the potential adverse consequences it could have on the environment and public health.
Kader expressed concerns over the associated development that would cater to increased tourism, including the construction of hotels, restaurants, theme parks, homes, and roads. He warned that such action could disrupt the fragile hill environment and endanger the ecological balance.
Environmental groups, namely the Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) have also raised objections to the cable car project, highlighting the risk of irreversible environmental damage associated with its implementation.
Following this, CAP asked the state government to cancel the Penang Hill cable car project and focus on improving public transport and amenities.
C. Khor
