GEORGE TOWN, June 28 – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his capacity as the chairman of Penang Hill Corporation, presided over the concession agreement signing ceremony for the Development of Bukit Bendera Cable Car Service under the Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer Mode. The ceremony marked a momentous occasion for Penang as it moved closer to realizing the highly anticipated Penang Hill cable car project (Penang Hill Cable Car).
The journey towards this milestone began on January 13th, 2021, with the Request for Proposal, and despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and movement control orders, the project has persevered. The concession agreement was awarded to Hartasuma Sdn Bhd (“Hartasuma”) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based on the Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer model. The announcement of the successful bid was made during a press conference on December 14th, 2022, in the presence of Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, Executive Director of Hartasuma.
Hartasuma, a renowned local rail industry pioneer with nearly 30 years of experience, has proven expertise in project management, international supply chain and logistics management, testing and commissioning protocols, and project financing. To ensure the cable car system’s quality, the project will be undertaken in collaboration with Doppelmayr, a globally recognized leader in ropeway engineering. Doppelmayr’s track record boasts over 86 cable car installations worldwide, including sites within UNESCO Heritage, Geopark, Biosphere, and National Parks.
Renowned for their reliability, safety, and cutting-edge technology, Doppelmayr cable car systems adhere to the highest international standards. Their involvement in the Penang Hill Cable Car project ensures that the service will offer a world-class experience. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that the project would adopt a holistic approach to transform Penang Hill into a world-class attraction. The proposed investment of at least RM245 million by Hartasuma will not only cover the cable car system but also focus on enhancing the surrounding areas of the Penang Botanic Gardens, benefiting both locals and visitors.
The project will provide enhanced amenities and facilities, ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of everyone. This significant project is expected to elevate Penang’s tourism offerings and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the surrounding areas by generating hundreds of job opportunities. Detailed design work is already underway to create an integrated transportation system, complemented by a carefully designed traffic management plan for the project site. To address traffic congestion, several measures will be implemented, including the construction of a multi-storey parking complex with ample space for patrons of the Penang Hill Cable Car and visitors to the Penang Botanic Gardens.
The project will also feature a public transportation station equipped with parking bays for public transports, tour buses, and e-hailing services. Additionally, designated parking spaces will be provided to accommodate public vehicles, alleviating congestion at the entrance of the Penang Botanic Gardens and creating more open spaces for public activities. The Penang Hill Cable Car will work in tandem with the existing funicular railway, which has served as a transportation lifeline to residents and visitors for nearly a century.
The cable car system will help distribute traffic, particularly during peak seasons, while also offering a greener mode of transportation. With an estimated annual visitor population of 1.4 to 1.8 million, the Penang Hill Cable Car is expected to contribute to load balancing the traffic on Penang Island. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow assured attendees that the project would take into consideration the environmental and social aspects of the area. Cable car systems are recognized as green and sustainable transportation modes for terrestrial, hill resorts, and urban areas.
They operate on electric power, emitting minimal noise pollution. The construction process requires minimal tree cutting, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. The Penang Hill Corporation and Hartasuma are committed to limiting the number of towers and their footprint during the project’s design and implementation. The concessionaire will employ green construction methods, including manual labor for foundation works using a hand-dug caisson method. These measures, which avoid heavy machinery, will minimize on-site clearing and preserve the surrounding greenery.
Additionally, the project aims to obtain Green Building Index certification. Sustainable design principles will be employed, such as permeable surfaces, rainwater harvesting systems, installation of solar panels on rooftops, and the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations. By promoting environmentally friendly parking solutions, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions and encourage sustainable transportation choices. The project’s architects, known for their award-winning designs, will develop a contemporary and environmentally integrated architecture that meets world-class standards.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his gratitude to all the parties involved in making the Penang Hill Cable Car a reality and called for collective effort to bring Penang Hill, Malaysia’s preferred hill resort, to greater heights. He also highlighted the remarkable experiences that the Penang Hill Cable Car service will offer. The project aligns with the Penang2030 vision, emphasizing sustainable development and a prosperous future for all.
