Yeoh (centre) flanked by Cheok (left) and Shahrul Aman at the press conference announcing details of the Penang Hill Festival. — Courtesy photo
THE Penang Hill Festival returns for its fourth edition and marks the 100th anniversary of the hill’s railway service which began operations in 1923.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this year’s festival, scheduled for July 21 to 23, promises to be very enjoyable.
In view of the steady recovery of tourism from the Covid-19 pandemic, Yeoh was confident that the festival would boost the local tourism scene in tandem with other efforts taken by the state.
“Our iconic Penang Hill continues to be a celebrated landmark, drawing visitors around the world,” he said during a press conference at Komtar in George Town.
Yeoh pointed out the hill’s attractions which included the century-old railway and rich biodiversity that has been certified as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve site.
“Visitors can expect exciting programmes during the festival, including talks, heritage and nature discovery walks, exhibitions, photography and videography workshops,” he said.
“There is also the festival’s signature event called ‘Music on the Hill – East Meets West’ on July 23.”
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the festival was designed as an educational experience which aimed to bring people closer to nature.
“The festival’s slogan is ‘See the Nature, Feel the History’.
“We want people to get to know Penang Hill better.
“This year, we have designed talks on rejuvenating Penang Hill,” he said.
Cheok said they would also share the challenges and work done to restore, rehabilitate and rebuild the hill which has had over 300 landslides reported following a freak storm in 2017.
“In 2017, we promised to bring the glory back to Penang Hill and now, visitors are returning.
“In 2019, we recorded 1.86 million visitors. Then the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“However, in the first three months of this year, the hill has received over 400,000 visitors. By year end, we expect the number of visitors to hit figures close to that recorded in 2019.
“So we continue to invest in Penang Hill. And thank you to the state for investing millions to support us,” said Cheok.
He said PHC also offered “Experience Penang Hill” packages that can be customised for different needs and interests.
Cheok said the festival would also feature talks by experienced consulting engineers and authors, a photo exhibition plus workshops by professional photographers from Canon Malaysia.
The finale will be the “Music on the Hill – East Meets West” which is returning by popular demand.
It features Musica Sinfonietta Penang, a homegrown orchestra consisting of talented young and professional musicians led by resident conductor Lo Mei Yoke.
There will also be performances by a boria troupe, classical sitar performers and a Chinese orchestra.
“I hope that each time visitors return to Penang Hill, they will experience something different. Many parts of its history are waiting to be discovered,” said Cheok.
Others at the press conference were former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Tourism Malaysia northern region director Shahrul Aman Sabir Ahmad, Penang Global Tourism chief executive director Ooi Chok Yan and PHC senior manager (corporate management services division) Shahril Nizam Cheah Abdullah.
For details, visit www.penanghill.gov.my/phf2023, email phf2023@penanghill.gov.my
