Celebrating 100 years of Penang’s funicular railway service

Iconic train: State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin (centre) and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid holding the special edition fast track ticket as PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng (left) looks on at Bukit BEndera. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN: The funicular railway service at Bukit Bendera, one of Penang’s landmarks which will celebrate its 100th anniversary soon, has carried over 47 million visitors to date. The opening of the funicular on Oct 21, 1923, has made it easier for the public, especially workers and residents to move about.

The iconic train has brought millions of visitors from home and abroad to the top of Bukit Bendera, one of Penang’s tourist destinations.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the funicular rail had brought 1.48 million visitors to Penang Hill last year and the train set, which is now into its third generation, had made over 275,000 trips exceeding 550,000km over the past decade.

“Although the funicular coach has changed physically from the first generation to the third, its historical heritage, socio-economic value and importance still remain in line with its status as one of Penang’s historical icons,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.

He said in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) had decorated both of the third-generation funicular coaches with 100th- anniversary logo stickers along with the tagline “100 Years of Transformation” and graphics.

Chow, who is also PHC chairman, said the decorative funicular train carried a prominent message for visitors to see, recall the past and join in the historic celebration.

He said PHC would also organise activities such as exhibitions, book launches, documentary videos and social media contests, along with promotions by stall tenants and special edition merchandise.

He said PHC had also introduced a special edition Bukit Bendera funicular fast track ticket that can be kept as a commemorative collection in conjunction with the 100th-anniversary celebration.

“More surprises and interesting activities have been arranged throughout this year, which promise more memories and experiences such as the Penang Hill Festival, Penang Hill Heritage Forest Challenge and Trash Free Hill,” he said.

Meanwhile, PHC in a statement said the Bukit Bendera funicular railway service was built and completed by an engineer of the Federated Malay States Railways, Arnold Robert Johnson, in 1923.

PHC added that the unique European-made funicular train is said to be the first to be used in South-East Asia.

Before the funicular rail was completed, getting up to Bukit Bendera was an uphill task for the community in the area and involved walking or horse rides.

The train has also carried several distinguished guests including the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the Prince of Cambodia.