GEORGE TOWN : The highly anticipated Penang Hill cable car project is advancing according to schedule, with the first ropeway tower expected to be installed by the end of June 2025. Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, General Manager of the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), confirmed that caisson piling works are underway across all four major sites, encompassing the three cable car stations — Garden, Turn, and Hill — as well as a multi-storey car park.
As of late April, overall progress stood at 6.5%, with 12 of the 33 planned caisson points completed along the alignment. These foundational works are essential to support the towers that will eventually carry the gondolas.
“The towers are currently being fabricated off-site and will be delivered to the construction zones in phases,” said Cheok in an interview. “We’re confident the first tower will be installed by the end of June.”
To minimise environmental disruption, PHC has reduced the number of towers on Penang Hill to 15, five of which are situated within the forest reserve. The remaining ten are located outside the protected area.
“There are three towers positioned near the Hill station, four at the Turn station, and three at the Garden station,” Cheok explained. “We’ve taken deliberate steps to preserve the ecological integrity of the forest while ensuring optimal alignment for a seamless cable car experience.”
Multi-Storey Parking and Sustainability Measures
Part of the broader development includes a multi-storey car park at the site of the former food court near the Botanic Gardens. The site has been cleared, and ground preparation — along with environmental protection measures — is already in progress.
The car park aims to address long-standing congestion issues and improve visitor accessibility.
Public-Private Collaboration and Oversight
Although the RM245 million project is being undertaken by Hartasuma Sdn Bhd under a public-private partnership (PPP), PHC continues to play a supervisory role to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
“Notices have been issued to advise the public about safety protocols and vehicular activity along key routes such as Jalan Kebun Bunga, the Jeep track, and Summit Road,” Cheok noted.
Looking Ahead
The project was awarded to Hartasuma — a prominent player in Malaysia’s rail industry — in December 2022 under a 30-year concession agreement. The scope includes the design, financing, construction, operation, and eventual transfer of the cable car system.
Targeted for completion by end-2026, the cable car is anticipated to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027, pending comprehensive safety inspections and system commissioning.
“This project will introduce a new dimension to the Penang Hill experience, combining enhanced visitor access with a commitment to environmental stewardship and world-class safety standards,” Cheok added.
–Malay Mail
