GEORGE TOWN: Penang Hill’s iconic funicular train will make its final run today after 87 years, leaving residents with only fond memories of the famous attraction.

It will be replaced by a RM63mil upgraded system, which is expected to be ready in seven months.


Septuagenarian Sim Chooi Hoon said the old coaches made her nostalgic because her first trip on the train was with her late son.

“When I was small, I always yearned to go on a ride to view the scenery at the hilltop but my family was too poor.

“My son took me up some 20 years ago and I will remember the trip forever,” recalled the 75-year-old, whose son died 14 years ago.

Technician Carsson Tan, 28, said his first ride on the funicular train was at the age of six with his cousins.

“I was excited, especially when we had to switch coaches at the middle station.

“But I sweated all the way in the coach due to poor ventilation and overcrowding,” he said, adding that the mesmerising scenery at the top and the antics of the monkeys made it worth the ride.

Traders at the train’s foothill station in Air Itam, however, expressed dismay at the loss of business during the suspension of services.

“If I were to work as a clerk with a RM600-700 monthly income, I might have to fork out at least RM500 for baby-sitting,” said Janet Look who operates a snack food stall. “So I’d rather stay at home and take care of my children.” Another trader, who only wished to be known as Chew, 70, said the exact date to resume business was uncertain.

“It is hard for me to get another job at my age. Still, I hope things will be better after the upgrading,” she added.

According to a sign at the foot of the hill, the upgrading will be completed on Sept 28.

Meanwhile, Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng urged visitors and residents to take one last ride on the train today.

“Be part of the historic moment,” he said in statement yesterday.

He said Penang Hill residents and hotel operators would operate a jeep service up the hill from the Botanical Gardens during the closure.

Penang Hill Residents Association secretary Beh Chin Siang said there would be about 20 jeeps on standby from 8.30am to 7pm during the closure.

“We charge RM70 to RM90 for each jeep, per two-way trip. We can also help arrange for night trips or stay-over at the hotel on the hill,” Beh said, adding that the association could be contacted at 016-4747663.

Last year, the hill was voted as Penang’s top tourist destination by some 1,090 people who took part in an online poll conducted by the state government’s tourism website (www.visitpenang.gov.my).

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is expected to be on the last ride at 8.30pm today.

The Star Online

By ANN TAN

Sunday February 21, 2010