Liao (left) with Chow at the launch of the special edition stamps at Penang Hill railway’s bottom station.
STAMP collectors can now get to own a little piece of history with the limited edition of commemorative stamps and first day covers depicting Penang Hill funicular railway’s 100th year anniversary.
These beautiful pieces of art feature the three distinctive generations of the funicular with the stamps showcasing the history and evolution of the train.
When the Penang Hill railway first opened in 1923, the carriages were wooden with separate first and second class compartments in each one.
It was used from 1923 to 1977 before an upgrade to bright red and white carriages that had fans and automatic sliding doors.
Each of the red Swiss-made carriages could hold up to 80 people, mostly standing.
They were in use for over 30 years until 2010.
While the first two required passengers to change trains halfway up, the 2010 upgrade included an upgraded railway track.
Today, passengers have non-stop service in the blue and white, air-conditioned Swiss-made cars that can ferry up to 100 passengers in one go.
Celebrating how far the railway service has come since 1923, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), in collaboration with Pos Malaysia Berhad, have launched commemorative stamps and first day covers to mark the Penang Hill Railway Centenary Celebration.
Pos Malaysia group chief marketing, communications and sustainability officer Fiona Liao said the launch of the special edition commemorative stamps and first day cover of Penang Hill Railway stood as evidence of their collective dedication to preserving the nation’s heritage and celebrating its progress.
Commemorative stamps for the Penang Hill Railway Centenary Celebration. — Photos: CHan Boon KaI/ The Star
“We are delighted to be able to encapsulate Penang Hill funicular’s history and its role in uniting generations in our stamps and first day cover.
“They serve as a powerful reminder of our resilience and dedication to progress.
“Just as the Penang Hill funicular has stood the test of time for a 100 years, Pos Malaysia, with a heritage spanning over two centuries, continues to evolve, embracing new challenges and opportunities while staying true to our core mission of fulfilling our mandate to the people,” she said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the stamps and first day cover, said this was one of the many initiatives and programmes organised by PHC throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary.
“This is one of the main highlights of the centenary celebration.
“This collection proudly displays a beautiful design and is represented by three differently designed funicular stamps, first day covers, postcard and folder.
“It captures and symbolises the significant moments of the Penang Hill Railway’s century- long journey.
“The main artwork features the three distinctive generations of the funicular,” he said.
Chow said the collection was not just an assortment of stamps but a commemorative item linking the past to our future, enabling everyone to own a piece of this cherished memorabilia.
The limited-edition collectibles are available at selected post offices throughout Malaysia from today onwards. The price for a complete set is RM64.20. Liao (left) with Chow at the launch of the special edition stamps at Penang Hill railway’s bottom station.
(Left) Commemorative stamps for the Penang Hill Railway Centenary Celebration. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/ The Star
