THE completion of the highly anticipated Penang Hill Cable Car project, expected in August next year, is set to make Penang Hill more accessible and further strengthen its position as one of the state’s premier tourism destinations, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Speaking at the ‘Music on the Hill – East Meets West’ concert at the Bellevue Hotel on Penang Hill today, Chow said visitor numbers to the iconic hill continue to grow steadily, underscoring its enduring appeal.
“As of July 16, more than 910,000 passengers have travelled on the Penang Hill funicular railway this year alone. That is a strong vote of confidence in one of Penang’s most iconic attractions.
“With the cable car expected to be completed next August, we must be ready. Today, people no longer come to Penang Hill simply because of the cooler weather. They come for experiences.
“They seek nature, culture, food, heritage, family-friendly activities and meaningful programmes that encourage them to stay longer and return again.
“That is why Penang Hill must continue to diversify its offerings. We need more quality attractions, more engaging programmes, and more reasons for visitors to come throughout the year, while preserving the natural environment that makes this place so unique,” Chow said.
The concert was one of the highlights of the three-day Penang Hill Festival (PHF), which concluded today.
Set against the scenic hilltop backdrop, the event delighted audiences with a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary performances by five local performing groups, including students with special needs from the AIM Educare Learning Centre.
Chow said initiatives such as the Penang Hill Festival play an important role in transforming Penang Hill into more than just a tourist attraction.
“It creates memorable experiences by bringing together conservation, culture, education and community engagement. Most importantly, it gives visitors another reason to return to Penang Hill.
“‘Music on the Hill – East Meets West’ also celebrates the diversity that has always defined our state.
“Different cultures, traditions and artistic expressions come together on one stage, reminding us that our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the Penang Hill Festival has evolved into one of Penang Hill’s signature annual programmes since its inaugural edition in 2018.
He said the festival has successfully combined nature, heritage and culture, allowing visitors to experience the hill beyond its breathtaking scenery by discovering its rich stories and unique character.
“Over these three days, from July 17 to 19, the festival once again opened up Penang Hill through a range of curated experiences, including guided walks, talks, workshops and exhibitions.
“Each programme was designed to offer visitors a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation of this remarkable hill,” Cheok said.
He added that the festival continued to serve as a bridge connecting communities, experts, creatives and visitors through shared experiences of learning and appreciation.
“We hope the festival will continue to create meaningful opportunities for the public to connect with Penang Hill, while fostering a deeper appreciation of its unique biodiversity, rich historical layers and living heritage within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve,” he said.
Also present were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man.
Some of the pictures taken during the festival today:
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud