THE Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) has launched its Penang Hill Upper Station Upgrading Project (Phase Four) to provide better comfort to its visitors on the hill.
The RM9.3 million project would comprise expanding the waiting halls and facilities at the Penang Hill upper station.
PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said that the current upper station is 800sq m and is able to accommodate up to 250 visitors at a time.
“The Phase Four upgrading project would increase the space to 1,422sq m (two floors), allowing it to accommodate up to 700 visitors at a time.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Phase Four project would also better position the hill for the future and improve visitors’ experience.
“The Penang government has allocated RM13 million (last year) and RM14.1 million this year for the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities on Penang Hill.
“PHC is committed to ensuring that Penang Hill remains as the preferred destination of choice in Malaysia,” he said in his speech before launching the groundbreaking ceremony today.
He said that PHC would work towards achieving the Green Building Index (GBI) Gold rating for this project.
“I am sure the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang welcomes the effort.
“The upper station was built and open in 1923. The station has ‘served’ the visitors for almost 100 years.
“We look forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the upper station when the Phase Four project is completed.
“The developments on Penang Hill are in line with the fundamental guidelines stipulated in the Penang Hill Special Area Plan (SAP) 2016 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan (Substitution) 2020 to maintain the aesthetic value and natural attractions of the hill,” he said.
He said the hill is a sensitive area that must be protected.
“The slopes have to be monitored and maintained from time to time to ensure public safety.
“There are also a few bungalows (on Penang Hill) belonging to the state government that need to be rejuvenated. All that are in progress and will abide by the guidelines stated in the Penang Hill Special Area Plan (SAP) 2016 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan (Substitution) 2020.
Chow added that while waiting for the completion of the Phase Four project, which could take about 18 months, PHC planned to equip the upper station with technology and software that will make it convenient for the visitors to use the facilities there.
“I commend PHC for its continuous efforts to turn Penang Hill into an eco-friendly and smart tourist destination.
“Also, the smart queue management system, JustQ 2.0, ensures a smooth journey for Penang Hill visitors,” he said.
The system is said to provide a hassle-free queuing experience where visitors can wait in comfort. They are only required to get to the station once their batch number is called.
Visitors are able to retrieve their batch number through the ticket counter and queue status from the display panels or QR code displayed at major public facilities on the hill.
Also present were Air Putih assemblyman and former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, and Penang Botanic Gardens curator Datuk Dr Saw Leng Guan.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting