Penang Hill’s cable car project remains on schedule for completion in August 2027, a development expected to significantly boost visitor numbers to the iconic hilltop destination, according to Buletin Mutiara.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project would make Penang Hill more accessible and cement its status as one of the state’s premier tourism draws.
“The cable car will transform how people experience Penang Hill,” Chow said at the ‘Music on the Hill – East Meets West’ concert at Bellevue Hotel on Penang Hill on 19 July.
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Funicular Numbers Hit 910,000
The funicular railway has already recorded more than 910,000 passengers in 2026 as of 16 July, a figure Chow described as “a strong vote of confidence” in the attraction.
“With the cable car expected to be completed next August, we must be ready,” he said. “Today, people no longer come to Penang Hill simply because of the cooler weather. They come for experiences.”
Chow said visitors now sought nature, culture, food, heritage, family-friendly activities and meaningful programmes that encouraged longer stays and repeat visits.
“That is why Penang Hill must continue to diversify its offerings. We need more quality attractions, more engaging programmes, and more reasons for visitors to come throughout the year, while preserving the natural environment that makes this place so unique,” he said.
Festival Wraps Up Three-Day Run
The concert formed part of the three-day Penang Hill Festival (PHF), which ran from 17 to 19 July. The event featured performances by five local performing groups, including students with special needs from the AIM Educare Learning Centre.
Chow said the festival played an important role in transforming Penang Hill beyond a scenic viewpoint.
“It creates memorable experiences by bringing together conservation, culture, education and community engagement,” he said. “Most importantly, it gives visitors another reason to return.”
PHC Highlights Biodiversity And Heritage
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said the festival had become one of Penang Hill’s signature annual programmes since its launch in 2018.
“Over these three days, the festival once again opened up Penang Hill through a range of curated experiences, including guided walks, talks, workshops and exhibitions,” Cheok said.
He expressed hope that the festival would continue to foster “a deeper appreciation of its unique biodiversity, rich historical layers and living heritage within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.”
Also present at the event were Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed and Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man.
