Thread: Penang's hill railway makes its last run

Penang's hill railway makes its last run
Ann Tan
21-02-2010

Penang Hill’s iconic funicular train will make its final run today (February 21) after 87 years, leaving residents with only fond memories of the famous attraction.

Penang, a famous tourist destination because of its old architecture and climate, is located in the northwest coast of Malaysia.

It will be replaced by a 63 million ringgit (US$18.5 million) 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 500 ringgit ($146) 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 September 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 70 ringgit ($20) to 90 ringgit ($27) 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.

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 (Welcome to VisitPenang.Gov.My).

asianewsnet.net

that is a stupid move. The funicular railway was always a fun way to escape the heat for me. Taking away a lot of the charm of Penang. Gotta google up now what is going to replace it.

agreed, I used to enjoy jerking my way to the top

back to the railway....there are lots of interesting botanical things growing by the track, including at least two types of big pitcher plant

Shame . . . progress.

Originally Posted by aging one

that is a stupid move. The funicular railway was always a fun way to escape the heat for me. Taking away a lot of the charm of Penang.

Yup.

Originally Posted by Mid

It will be replaced by a 63 million ringgit (US$18.5 million) upgraded system, which is expected to be ready in seven months.

Now, who said Malaysia was backward if compared with Thailand ? They can plan, conceive a project and then implement it, in decent delays. Who knows, they might actually finish it on schedule !

Never made it up to the hill in three times to Penang. Wanted to go every time, but somehow it never happend. Now its to late to use the old train.

New trains will carry 20 more people. Not stop in the middle and take less time. Big deal.

I took my girlfriend on it when we were in Penang last year and had a great day out. Still, at least they are not doing away with it altogether. Maybe the upgrade will be an improvement. At the top of the hill there used to be a suspended tree top walkway. I wonder if thats still there ?

Its probably gonna be more tourist friendly. One thing I dont like is they will air condition the cars. It was nice going up and feeling the air temperature change. Added to the whole feeling. They were never packed out, and it was never a sweaty mess. Guess I just like nostalgia, something very much missing in this modern world.

Was not as if millions missed the chance to go. If you planned just a few hours in advance a nice cool afternoon and evening was right there for you.

Originally Posted by aging one

Its probably gonna be more tourist friendly. One thing I dont like is they will air condition the cars. It was nice going up and feeling the air temperature change. Added to the whole feeling. They were never packed out, and it was never a sweaty mess. Guess I just like nostalgia, something very much missing in this modern world.

.

Be inclined to agree. As my father used to say " If it isn't fucked don't fix it ".