DEVOTEES received cheers during yesterday's Thaipusam celebrations when the state disclosed that it had approved a motorised lift to the top of the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, in George Town, Penang - which is perched 513 steps from ground level.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed this when visiting the temple, citing that that this is a significant move in enhancing accessibility for the devotees and visitors, particularly the elderly.
Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the company selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Penang Hill cable car project, has expressed interest in developing a motorised lift system or a people mover system towards the peak of the temple.
“Located at an altitude of over 100 metres, this initiative will promote inclusivity by making access easier for all devotees. It will be especially beneficial for those requiring additional assistance, such as senior citizens, the disabled, pregnant women, and those with mobility challenges,” Chow said.
The Chief MInister received the letter of interest from Hartasuma chief executive officer Tan Sri Ravindran Menon. As part of Hartasuma’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, the project is estimated to cost between RM4 million to RM6 million, depending on the feasibility study and the selected mode of transportation.
The Lord Murugan Temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga is touted as the largest in the region, and arguably the highest outside of India.
Chow said that the state was told that the project will be able to be completed within the next two years.
Hartasuma confirmed its plan to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable lift or transportation system for the site.
The study is expected to take six months, followed by a 24-month construction phase. Once completed, the system will be handed over to the state government for operation.
Penang state also allocated RM200,000 to the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple Management Committee to support this year’s Thaipusam celebration.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo shared that the ministry has installed two giant digital screens at the temple, allowing devotees to follow the Thaipusam proceedings seamlessly.
Gobind added his office would convey the Penang Hindu Endowments Board and the Sri Arulmigu Temple’s request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a special allocation towards future Penang Thaipusam celebrations.
Penang arguably recorded the highest turnout for Thaipusam ever with some 1.5 million people descending onto the narrow passage of Waterfalls, leading to the hilltop temple.
The celebration caused congestion in major parts of George Town for the past three days, with temple chairman Datuk Seri K. Kumaraendran expressing gratitude to the state government.
“After 30 years of advocating for full step-free accessibility for elderly devotees, visitors, and those with mobility challenges, this long-awaited project is finally becoming a reality,” he said.
Penang Consumers Protection Association president Datuk K. Koris Attan was among several community leaders overjoyed with the move to install the lift, saying that this was a struggle for a good part of a decade.
Koris said that the lift can help the old devotees reach the top without much hinderance.
He also hopes that the device would be eco - friendly, especially in the age were the public are concern over climate change and the need for more conservation. – February 12, 2025
