Proposed cable car project will benefit Penang

PENANG HILL: The proposed cable car project which will connect Teluk Bahang and Penang Hill received 100% full backing from the Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
According to him, as the minister-in-charge, he supports the effort from Penang state government in requesting the allocation for the project.
"For your information, we already included this project under the 11th Malaysia Plan. In fact the project is not only a top priority in Penang but also for the country," he said during his speech in the launching ceremony of completion of Penang Hill phase two project this morning.
Mohamed Nazri fully agrees with the proposed plan and thinks that the cable car will be a good two-pronged strategy for the state's tourism industry and public transportation sector.
"The cable car project will also serve the need of alternative public transportation from Teluk Bahang. It will also be a good tourist attraction in Penang Hill. It just make sense", he explained.
In 2013, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has proposed a cable car system to connect the Youth Park, Penang Hill and Teluk Bahang to further tap the tourism potential of these three popular areas.
The estimated 33km cable car network was part of of the Special Area Plan (SAP) for Penang Hill and could create an alternative route to the popular tourist destinations which are visited by some 10,000 people a day during peak season.
The cost for the system is projected at RM270 million with the Youth Park route costing RM60 million, the Botanical Garden route – RM60 million and the Teluk Bahang route – RM150 million.
Mohamed Nazri also praised the state government and Penang Hill Corporation for completing the phase two project of Penang Hill thus making the place a popular tourist destination in the state.
"The phase two project is an important development for Penang Hill. I hope it can spur up the Visit Malaysia year campaign and reach our target of 29.4 million tourist coming into our country with a total income of RM 89 billion.
"That is an ambitious target which we hope we can achieve," he said.
The Penang Hill Phase two project commenced on 17th March 2014 and was completed on April 30 this year with a budget of RM9.05 million.
The holding area has been expanded for shade and shelter while large viewing decks and pathways have been fashioned into slopes to maximize the visitors' experience.
There is also a Skyway which will allow visitors to experience a stunning 360 degree view from Penang Hill while fulfilling all accessibility needs.