GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said those involved in the RM250 million Penang Hill Cable Car project will pay extra care to the preservation of the environment as well as the cultural features of the state’s premier hill resort.
According to him, cable car systems are generally environmentally friendly and constitute a sustainable means of transportation for mountain resorts.
Penang Hill Cable Car Project Construction: Environmental Considerations
“The construction of this cable car project will involve minimal tree-cutting to ensure no adverse environmental impact. There is no law we have not followed; all approvals have been obtained, and this project is environmentally friendly with minimal impact,” he said.
“Despite the advanced technology used in the cable car project, it also takes into account the environment and cultural aspects. This is a timely reminder,” he added.
Penang Hill Cable Car Project Launch and Timeline
Earlier on Saturday, PM Anwar launched the cable car project’s ground station at the Botanic Gardens. The cable car line will be built from there to the rear of the police station on the hill and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.
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Capacity and Environmental Concerns Addressed
Previously, environmental groups had opposed the project because the capacity of the hill would exceed the limit of 4,800 people.
The hill station manager rejected the claims, saying studies have shown there have never been more than 1,400 visitors at a time on the hill, with a current capacity pegged at 6,463 people.
Details of the Project and Partnership
The project, developed through a public-private partnership between the Penang government and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, will see 50 eight-seater gondolas travelling a 2.73km route from Garden Station to Hill Station in less than 10 minutes.
It will carry 1,000 passengers at a speed of 6m per second and operate at an altitude of 700m above the sea level. Hartasuma, which won one tender against five others, will obtain a 30-year concession.
The cable car will act as a gateway to the UNESCO-recognized Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.
Support and Economic Impact
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project was in line with the state’s tourism strategies and also provided a much-needed second option to climb the hill, easing pressure on the funicular system.
Ravindran Menon, executive director of Hartasuma Group, said a commercial plaza with 700 parking spaces would also be built near the Botanic Gardens office.
He said the cable car system would meet the highest international standards for reliability and efficiency. This confidence is based on the experience of his partner, Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, which has delivered cable car projects around the world, including the Ba Na Hills cable car in Vietnam, known for its impressive engineering and minimal environmental impact.
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