(Middle row, third and fourth from left) Cheok and Ong posing with Penang Hill’s new ‘guardians’ following their completion of the Eco-Heritage Guide training programme. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Student, retiree among new batch of 19 guides to lead nature, heritage walks in Penang Hill
PENANG Hill, home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, welcomed 19 new heritage and biodiversity “guardians” following their graduation from the Eco-Heritage Guide training and certification programme.
The ceremony marked the second year of the programme by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), where participants received hands-on training while developing a greater appreciation of the Unesco-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR).
This year’s participants included youths, working adults and retirees aged between 20 and 76, united in their passion to protect and promote this natural heritage.
Among them was the youngest participant SK Haarshini, 20, a second-year accounting and finance undergraduate at AIMST University.
“I feel proud to be certified. Now I get to show tourists the beauty of Penang Hill.
“I also look forward to meeting people from all walks of life,” she said.
Ng (left) and Haarshini beaming with pride after being certified as Penang Hill eco-heritage guides.
The oldest participant Ng Sin Fook, 76, said, “I’ve been hiking here almost all my life.
“Now, I hope to help visitors appreciate the stories, trails and forest that were here long before us,” said the civil service retiree.
In his speech, PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng praised the volunteers’ passion and commitment.
He said Penang Hill’s ancient rainforest must be safeguarded for future generations.
“I intend to keep the hill as it is,” said Cheok.
“We want people to enjoy the free daily nature and heritage walks organised by NatureWalks@Penang Hill, and to experience this forest in its purest form.
“The new guides will join the existing team under NatureWalks@Penang Hill, our long-standing partner.
“NatureWalks@Penang Hill, under KP Ong, has been leading free daily walks for years, inviting the public to explore Penang Hill’s natural and historical treasures.”
Ong Kok Peng, better known as KP Ong, is the founder of NatureWalks.
The PHC programme plays a crucial role in empowering volunteers while strengthening stewardship of the hill’s ancient rainforest.
“Everyone has a role in shaping a sustainable future for Penang Hill,” said Cheok.
The two-day training covered funicular operations, the PHBR ecosystem, safety procedures, history of the hill, interpretive guiding techniques and mock presentations to ensure job readiness.
The newly certified guides beamed with pride as they pinned their Eco-Heritage Guide badges on their shirts.
It symbolised their commitment to protect one of the world’s oldest natural treasures and educate visitors as they step onto the trails.
Visitors will meet these guides when they join the free nature walk (at 9.30am) and heritage walk (at 11.30am) from Dataran Penang Hill.
Special arrangements and group bookings can also be made by contacting Ong at 016-420 1189.
