GEORGE TOWN – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has asked the public not to speculate about the supposed closure of Penang Hill’s funicular train service.
His statement comes after the public’s confusion over his suggestion to stop the funicular train service indefinitely.
“I refer to the different publications in the press lately, alleging that I have given instructions or made the decision that the funicular train services at Penang Hill should be discontinued.
“I wish to reiterate what I have said on this matter. The proposal to temporarily stop the funicular train service, if necessary, was only meant to facilitate maintenance work.
“This is because I view the safety of the visitors, especially the funicular train passengers, to be of paramount importance. The safety of the passengers is far more important than generating revenues from them,” he said.
Chow hopes that this will be the end of speculations that there are plans by the state government or Penang Hill Corporation to permanently end the funicular train service.
Due to confusion that was presented by several media outlets, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president, Mohideen Abdul Kader, issued a statement this morning, expressing shock at the announcement saying that Penang cannot afford to lose another icon with its ferry service ceasing operations from January 1 next year.
“CAP is not against shutting down the Penang Hill Railway for repairs or servicing as the safety of the train is most important, but to give the excuse that the train continues to break down and is problematic, and therefore may be shut down is like giving up any hope on this iconic service, which is both important for tourists and residents on the hill.
“There will be a public uproar if the Penang government decides to shut down the Penang Hill Railway for good. There was a public uproar when the Penang Ferry was closed last year,” the statement read.
The Penang Hill funicular service was disrupted two times in two days on November 7 and 8 due to a safety feature incorporated into the machinery.
The twice-a-year maintenance by the engineers of Garaventa AG Switzerland was postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the maintenance has been brought forward to this year after the recent disruption.
The funicular service will be halted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the next four weeks, from November 16 and 17 to December 7 and 8, 2021. – The Vibes, November 17, 2021
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