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By Regina William.
PENANG HILL, one of the state’s most famous tourism landmarks, is set to regain its lustre. State-owned Penang Hill Corp (PHC) is drawing up plans to lure tourists to the hill once again.
PHC, set up by the state government last year, is headed by InvestPenang Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon. Its task is to oversee and undertake projects to revive tourism activities on the hill. PHC has received an allocation of RM50 million from the state government for its projects over the next five years.
This is on top of the almost RM70 million allocated by the federal government last year to upgrade the railway system, expected to be completed in March.
Penang Hill, which is 833 metres above sea level, has in the past decade seen the number of visitors dwindle due to the incessant problems related to the funicular railway services, and also a lack of new tourism products. Only a small number of tourists, mostly foreigners, would take the trouble to hire jeeps to take them up to the hilltop. The jeeps can ferry a maximum of 400 visitors per day, with a return trip costing RM60 each person.
Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill was turned into a hill retreat in 1788 by Sir Francis Light, the island’s founder. Light built several bungalows there. Back then, visitors had to be carried up the hill on sedan chairs.
The railway tracks were first laid in 1906 and were replaced in 1923. This upgrade was the first in 87 years. The new railway, which is now being tested, includes new coaches and also realignment of parts of the tracks. The upgrade will enable visitors to reach the top of the hill in 10 minutes. Previously, the trip to the top took 30 minutes and involved changing trains midway.
The new coaches will also be able to take up to 1,000 passengers an hour as opposed to 250 previously.
Lee said Penang Hill would retain its historic setting but with a green theme to promote eco-tourism.
While development over the years has been monitored and kept to a minimum to preserve the hill’s natural setting, most of the facilities are in a state of disrepair.
The state government has already called for requests for proposals (RFPs) for Penang Hill, including reviving the Crag Hotel which was completed in 1805 and was once owned by the Sarkies Brothers, who founded the E & O Hotel. The hotel covers an area of 7.681 acres which encompasses a village of 22 bungalows.
Another RFP has also been called for the establishment of an eco-tourism venture comprising an educational nature trail and canopy walk. Although the hill had a canopy walk, it was discontinued for safety reasons. The new one would be at a different location, Lee said.
Lee said other plans include nature and historic walks with tour guides. Visitors who opt to wander on their own would be provided maps. Aside from day tours, activities would also be held at night to bring the hill to life. These would include full-moon night walks.
In addition to the ginger garden and aviary at the Bellevue Hotel, a 1.5 acre garden with 250 species of the monkey cup plant from all over the world is also being set up.
PHC is mulling plans for a research centre to start an inventory of the hill’s flora and fauna, as well as of the neighbouring Penang Botanical Gardens. The plateau on the hill covers 400 acres.
About 100 government quarters scattered around the hill, half of which fall under PHC’s jurisdiction and most of which are in deplorable condition, will be upgraded and turned into either teahouses or dormitories for visitors.
“There are also other bungalows and buildings which are owned by other government agencies and also private companies, most of which are not in very good condition.
“We will talk to them if we could take over these bungalows to preserve and enhance these buildings,” said Lee.
He said presently, there are 36 privately owned bungalows on the hill, while another 10 are state-owned.
Social activist Ahmad Chik who has lived on the hill for more than 22 years said residents welcome the efforts by the state government.
“Over the past 40 years, the hill has been in hibernation, with nothing being done. Penang Hill is one of the most attractive and valuable tourism assets but it has been neglected for so long,” he said.
“At long last, the state government is putting in great efforts including setting up the PHC, which the non-governmental organisations have been asking for for years,” he added.
However, while welcoming the developments, Ahmad sounded a note of caution on the projects planned for the hill. One project which has aroused his concern is the RM4.7 million hawker and visitor centre being funded by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) which is expected to be completed in the next few years in two phases. MPPP is the implementor and coordinator of the project and piling works are now being carried out. The hawker centre is supposed to be completed in six months, while the visitor’s centre will be completed in October.
“The PHC must ensure that the Penang Hill local plan be adhered to when projects are being planned. There is a detailed plan which is in place and it should not be ignored.
“It is alarming that two major development projects are being undertaken right now on the hill, namely the food court and business centre which is being built by the MPPP, which is the custodian of the local plan.
“They themselves are contravening the local plan as it stipulated that no one can develop or construct anything if it does not conform to the local plan,” Ahmad said.
Lee, however, gave his assurance that PHC was reviewing the project, with the state government and the MPPP following feedback from various parties. ** Republished with permission. This article first appeared The Edge Financial Daily of February 14, 2011. Related story: Penang Hill Corporation to study all factors before deciding fare structure. Read here.
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