By Ong Hong Peng.

THE Tourism Ministry wishes to provide a clear perspective in response to the article on "Preserving an engineering classic" (Nutmeg Verses, theSun, July 23).

In any situation, safety and comfort of the public and tourists cannot be compromised. Bearing this in mind, the proposal for the upgrading of the Penang Hill Funicular Railway has been formulated after careful and thorough studies by international technical consulting experts with vast experience in the funicular system. The proposed system is in compliance with the latest international safety code.

With the new system, the travellers will continue to have a choice of whether to stop at the middle station or other stations along the way, or to proceed to the top of Penang Hill. Currently, passengers have to change trains at the middle station, which could be a hassle, in particular to the elderly and disabled.

The proposed single-section system would increase convenience and comfort to passengers. It would be able to cater for peak and off-peak periods and school holidays as the speed of the funicular is adjustable to transport up to a maximum of 1,000 passengers an hour. The current system is more restrictive in terms of passenger traffic and volume as the flow depends on co-ordination from top to middle station and middle to bottom station. This has resulted in the public having to wait up to three hours to board the train during peak periods.

Both the Tourism Ministry and Public Works Department (JKR) have seriously taken into consideration the views of all parties concerned such as the Penang Hill residents and NGOs before deciding on the proposed system. After an in-depth study into the views of the residents and NGOs as well as the proposal made by veteran Australian tramway engineer Ric Francis, the ministry and JKR are convinced that a total upgrading that will last about 50 years is the way forward for the Penang Hill Funicular Railway.

The proposal by the NGOs suggested a refurbishment of existing railway system such as changing the rail and cable sheaves as well as replacing the motors, gear boxes and electrical system. This is tantamount to a cloned system with some parts new and some parts old, obtained from different sources. Therefore, it neither provides assurance of durability nor manufacturer’s backup and warranty on a complete system. Hence, it is not in compliance with international standards and passenger safety is compromised. In addition, it is merely a stop-gap measure, which would eventually lead to a replacement of the entire system, thereby incurring a higher total cost.

This Penang Hill Funicular Railway upgrading project has been undertaken in response to the increasing demands and needs of the public and tourists. It will further enhance the image of Penang Hill as a popular heritage icon. It is expected to increase the number of tourist arrivals to Penang, which in turn will generate more employment and income. In addition, the livelihood of the residents will be improved through better accessibility and increased economic opportunities.

In conclusion, this project is demand-driven, maintains the heritage value and its implementation is vital for the development of Penang and the tourism industry.

** Republished with permission. This opinion first appeared in the July 27, 2009 issue of theSun. Datuk Dr Ong is Secretary General of Tourism Malaysia.  

Related articles

• Preserving an engineering classic (theSun, 23.07.09)
• To the top of Penang Hill — A notable railway (iGT Features, 19.05.09)
• Developing Penang is fine but not until it loses its heritage (iGT Opinion, 19.05.09)
• Save the Penang Hill Railway - A priceless legacy (iGT Opinion, 08.05.09)
• Journey down Penang Hill (Places of interest, iGT Videos)
  

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form