GEORGE TOWN: Popular tourist destination Penang Botanical Gardens will remain open to the public throughout the construction period of the Penang Hill Cable Car project.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 21), said only the current hawker centre and the parking lot opposite the Penang Botanic Gardens' office, as well as the parking area outside the Penang Botanic Gardens will be temporarily closed to the public during the construction of the project.
"During this time, visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles at the Youth Park car park or Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple car park, which is just a short walk to the gardens," it said.
It said PHC will continue to work with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to find solutions for more parking spaces for the convenience of visitors, especially during weekends and public holidays.
PHC said the hawker centre will be relocated to a temporary site next to the Penang Botanic Gardens' office and the transition is scheduled to take place at the end of September 2024, ensuring that the hawkers can continue their businesses without disruption.
It said the site of the current hawker centre will be transformed into a multi-storey parking and commercial complex.
"Upon completion, hawkers currently operating at the hawker centre will move into the new facility.
"The commercial complex will add more modern facilities and amenities for the visitors, hikers, and the community around the area," it said.
PHC said the safety of the public is of utmost importance.
The project, which is targeted to complete by June 2026, as whole would address the parking problems and traffic congestion along Jalan Kebun Bunga while improving public facilities for the visitors of Penang Botanic Gardens.
PHC, together with cable car project concessionaire, Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, will ensure that all safety standards and procedures are complied with.
PHC would like to seek the cooperation of the public to adhere to the safety messages and signages installed at the site.
The Penang Hill Cable Car project aims to elevate the status of Penang Hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens, with enhancements planned for these areas.
This highly anticipated project is expected to significantly contribute to the tourism sector in the state, bringing socio-economic benefits to local residents.
It said hoarding work was currently in progress at Penang Botanic Gardens vicinity and Penang Hill Summit area and targeted to be completed by end of Sept 2024.
"We seek seek everyone's patience and understanding while the cable car project is in progress," it said.
PHC said it will make official announcements and regular updates on its social media and website about the project progress.
