The mobility initiative is about inclusivity, preserving heritage and ensuring that every visitor, regardless of age or ability, can access Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
FOR years, devotees celebrating Thaipusam at the Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple in Penang have been making the challenging climb up 513 steps along Jalan Kebun Bunga.
However, if all goes as planned, they will enjoy the convenience of a motorised lift transporting them to the temple perched 833m above sea level, in two-and-a-half-year’s time.
Pusparani has been unable to climb the stairs to the hilltop temple due to knee problem.This promises to ease the physical strain on devotees during their ascent and descent.
Housewife M. Pusparani, from Bagan Serai in Perak, said she had been unable to climb the stairs to the hilltop temple for the past two years due to weak knees.
“I miss those times when my knees were still strong and I could offer my prayers,” said Pusparani, who can only pray at the lower temple now.
Former Paralympic athletics coach Narayanan Samy praised the proposed move, but emphasised that facilities for people with disabilities must be included to ensure smooth accessibility.
“The system must be designed with elderly devotees and those with mobility challenges in mind,” he said.
Narayanan, who has worn a leg brace since an accident 40 years ago, believes that once completed, the facility could help transform the temple into a major tourist destination not just during Thaipusam, but also throughout the year.
Grandmother of five, N. Parimala Devi travelled from Paya Besar in Kedah, with her husband and daughter to celebrate Thaipusam.
Wanidah: Proper maintenance and safety measures crucial to ensure system is reliable.The wheelchair user performed her prayers at the lower temple.
While she welcomed the initiative to make it easier for devotees and tourists to reach the temple without struggling up steep paths, she worried about its potential environmental impact.
“I believe the Penang government will balance the needs of the people with preservation of the environment.”
Tony Wong and his wife Wanidah Doraisamy were also thrilled by the news of the motorised lift.
“The system will greatly benefit senior citizens and those with disabilities, making it easier for them to visit the temple.
“It is great news. Hopefully, we will see it soon,” he said.
He suggested adding amenities like rest areas, handrails and benches along the route to accommodate those who might need breaks while walking up or down.
Wanidah said that proper maintenance and safety measures were crucial to ensure the system would be reliable and accessible.
(From left) Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman RSN Rayer, Ravindran, Tan Sri N. Puvan, Chow, Kumaraendran and former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng displaying the letter of intent to develop a mobility system for the temple.
The grandmother-of-two also suggested the inclusion of shaded walkways and clearer signage to ensure the temple would be a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
CSR programme
With a history dating back to the 18th century, Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani in George Town, commonly known as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, is one of the largest temples in Malaysia devoted to Lord Muruga.
Wong: Amenities such as rest areas, handrails and benches should be added.Reaching the temple summit requires visitors to ascend a set of staircases, equivalent to a 20-storey climb.
The challenging ascent and descent has long been an impediment to accessibility, particularly for elderly worshippers, tourists and visitors with mobility impairments.
In conjunction with this year’s celebrations, Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire for the Penang Hill cable car project, said it would develop a motorised lift, ensuring step-free accessibility to the hilltop temple.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative was announced in the presence of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during the Thaipusam celebration at the temple on Feb 11.
Chow said the type of people mover would be determined only after a feasibility study was conducted by Hartasuma.
“The study will take six months and if approved, construction will take two years.
“The estimated cost for the project is between RM4mil and RM6mil, depending on the findings of the study and the type of mobility solution chosen,” he said.
Narayanan says complementary facilities for people with disabilities must be included to ensure accessibility.Chow expressed hope that the project would be completed alongside the Penang Hill cable car development, which was also expected to take two years.
He said the motorised lift project would be handed over to the state government once completed, which would select an agency − potentially the Penang Hindu Endowment Board − to manage it.
“The board will work with the temple to oversee the project after completion,” he added.
Chow said improving accessibility to key cultural and religious sites was not only a step toward preserving the rich heritage of Penang, but also essential in creating an inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds and interests could connect with the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the project would be a great help, especially for those facing difficulty in reaching the hilltop temple.
“This matter has been discussed for several years; as part of the Federal Government, we will provide support as much as possible and whenever necessary,” he said.
Climbing the stairs to reach the top of the temple can be daunting, particularly for the elderly and those with physical limitations.
Waterfall Hilltop Temple chairman Datuk Seri K. Kumaraendran expressed gratitude to the state government for ensuring that after 30 years, the long-awaited project would finally become a reality.
He expressed hope that the project could be completed within two years.
Hartasuma executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon said the company was committed to achieving positive social impact through the development of sustainable infrastructure.
“The Hilltop Temple Mobility Initiative is not just about transportation, it is about inclusivity, preserving heritage and ensuring that every visitor, regardless of age or ability, can access this site with ease.
“We are proud to be contributing dynamically to Penang’s development and look forward to working closely with the state government to bring this vision to life,” he added.
A pioneer in the Malaysian rail industry, Hartasuma has played a key role in national infrastructure developments such as the Kelana Jaya Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
In Penang, Hartasuma’s Penang Hill cable car project is set to create another iconic tourist attraction.
