Sunday October 11, 2009
The hills are alive
Stories by CHRISTINA CHIN
From tired attraction to a throbbing eco-park that boasts good amenities, charming old bungalows and great views. That’s what the people want for Penang Hill.
PENANG Hill is not just about the funicular railway; it is an eco-park with meandering roads and historic colonial bungalows which must be restored.
A frequent sight: Repair works being carried out on the railway track. – File photo Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen believes that the state will only tap 30% of the hill’s potential with the upgrading of the funicular train, the main mode of transportation up to the cool, scenic pinnacle.
Penangites and tourists alike say it is time the popular tourist attraction is given a boost as complaints of slow, unreliable and uncomfortable service have plagued the funicular railway for decades.
Kee, who is also a Tourism Malaysia board member, says the “most crucial” aspect of the hill’s infrastructure, which is the train, is already being handled by the federal government. It is now up to the state to propose plans to revitalise the attraction.
“The previous Barisan National government had proposed upgrading the funicular railway, and having a cable car and car park under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010). RM40mil was then approved for the railway and an additional RM20mil for the roads and other amenities. The cable car project from the hill to Teluk Bahang was not approved because the railway was a priority.
“Now that the upgrading of the funicular train is under way, the state must prepare a master plan to be submitted to the Tourism Ministry under the 10th Malaysia Plan so that funding can be obtained.
“What is needed is to upgrade and revamp, not wholesale development. We don’t want another Victoria Peak (Hong Kong’s popular tourist attraction) and it would be a sin to commercialise Penang Hill. The last thing we want is a fake theme park,” she says.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has said that Penang Hill has “great potential in garden and park tourism” and the ministry hopes to turn it into the “most beautiful garden” in the world.
Kee believes the federal government will support the state despite it being under Opposition rule if the project is beneficial for the national coffers.
“It’s a question of ringgit and sen, really. If Penang can come up with a plan that is financially viable for the federal government, there is no reason to reject the proposal. It is very important to get the non-governmental organisations involved because these bodies comprise professionals who are full of good ideas and are passionate enough to want to help,” she adds. Among the former state exco member’s suggestions is to convert the 40-odd bungalows on the hill into bed and breakfast lodgings.
One of the attractions of Penang Hill is the panaromic view it offers visitors “Privatisation is the key. Penang Hill is far from being a tired attraction – it is actually an unpolished diamond. If the state can attract investors, the cable car project is not that expensive to carry out.
“Penang Hill can be promoted as an exclusive place for multinational companies to hold their brainstorming sessions and board meetings, if we can upgrade the existing facilities. Remember, it is not just about the funicular train,” Kee adds.
Penang Heritage Trust chairman Dr Choong Sim Poey views the vision for “a more efficient funicular train and a transformation of Penang Hill into a great garden and park tourist attraction” as problematic.
“As usual, politicians always think of putting in something ‘new’ rather than reviewing what has been there before, and what has gone wrong since.
“Penang Hill in the 60s and 70s was a much more enjoyable experience than what it is today. Why?
“The greenery was well maintained then. There was a children’s playground (which has since been converted into an ugly hawker centre), many little walkways off the main road (which are now in a state of disrepair), and historic bungalows owned by the state government (now badly neglected),” he notes.
Dr Choong believes it is wiser to set up a planning team to look at Penang Hill’s assets (many of which are state owned) before “assuming that by just improving the railway and planting more flowers, it will automatically become a tourist hub.”
Another aspect to consider is the basic facilities – for example, there should be enough toilets to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
“Every attractive site has a maximum carrying capacity, beyond which the environment deteriorates. With Penang Hill being such a small site, it may be wiser to limit the number of visitors at any one time. Spending money on a super train may not be such a good idea!
“My idea of a nice trip is the memory of the old open carriage taking its time going up the hill. I remember enjoying the fresh air, which got cooler as we rose higher. With the upgrade, you will have a 10-minute ride to the top in an air-conditioned cabin. Is that what tourists want?
“Penang Hill is a very precious and fragile asset. We should be making comprehensive long-term plans for the whole area instead of looking at ad hoc solutions,” he warns.
On the problem of long queues waiting to take the train, Dr Choong says that can easily be solved by having a phone booking system, like that for cinema tickets.
Related Stories:
In for a cool, speedy ride
Plans and precautions
Keep an eye on plans
A brief history
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