National Unity Ministry supports cable car project for Penang’s Waterfall Hilltop Temple

GEORGE TOWN: The National Unity Ministry has expressed support to build a cable car at Arulmigu Sri Bala Thandayuthapani (Waterfall Hilltop Temple).

Its Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy said there was a need to enable all to reach the temple by shortening the walking distance.

"I used to walk from the Sri Maha Mariammam Temple at Queen Street to Hilltop Temple for almost 12 years.

"As age catches up, we need to shorten the distance.

"When Rayer asked for the cable car, I understand the necessity and the value of the request to look into.

"These are things we take account not just through request but from experience, and expectations from devotees must be fulfilled," she said in her speech after visiting the Thaipusam celebrations at the Hilltop Temple on Thursday (Jan 25).

Saraswathy said this year, her 84-year-old mother had no choice but to wait at Nattukotai Chettiar Temple at the foot of the hill as she was unable to walk up to the hilltop temple.

She then explained that the National Unity Ministry would support the project, which includes helping to request for funds from the Finance Ministry.

Earlier, Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) chairman RSN Rayer had requested for an escalator, at least, to be built to ease mobility of devotees to reach the hilltop temple.

He said support from the government was needed for the project and it would be a long-term benefit to devotees.

In Oct 2012, the temple's committee proposed a cable car project following the closure of the road up the temple and concerns about the elderly devotees having problems walking up the 514 steps.

It was said that the project would cover 500 metres from the foot of the hill up to the temple.

The RM9mil hilltop temple was completed in June 2012.

Also present at the celebration was Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented a RM200,000 cheque to PHEB for the celebration.

He said the state will continue allocating RM2mil annually to the board.

Also present were Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr R. Lingeshwaran.