We wish to commend the Penang state government in having a public consultation for project to build the cable car for Penang Hill.

We support the idea as it will be a definite boost to Penang’s tourism potential. There are issues that need to be considered and an in-depth study should be done on this proposal.

We ask the Penang people to consider the following:

The attractiveness of Penang Hill is the jewel in our crown. Tourists will be attracted to view nature which had been long lost in certain other countries. Consider walking treks through the wilderness, guided tours, canopy walks, mountain bike tours and mountain bike rides and challenges. Is eco-tourism the plan for Penang Hill?

Will the ‘no development above the 250ft above sea level imaginary line’ be removed?

Will the allowable development density on Penang Hill be changed?

We have information that big-time developers from Kuala Lumpur and their related companies collectively own a few hundred acres of land on Penang Hill. What do you all think the developers are planning for their land? Why have they been constantly lobbying the Penang state government?

Studies must be done on whether the current infrastructure on Penang Hill can handle the additional human traffic that the cable car project is going to bring. It’s very tricky here, please consider this carefully, if we have no infrastructure to accommodate this increase in human traffic the cable cars may become a white elephant.  

Detailed studies need to be done, we don’t want to be in a situation where the cable car projects go ahead and then find that, oh dear, there’s insufficient infrastructure, no choice now we have to allow massive development to accommodate the extra traffic brought about by the cable cars.

Why does this new Special Area Plan, Penang Hill already have a gazetted plan in existence?

We question whether this cable car project is just the beginning. What comes next, an integrated resort on Penang Hill? Disneyland? Theme park? Why not consider Pulau Jerejak?

The Penang people are the most intelligent lot in the country, please think of your children and your children’s children. Do you want Abigail to take her mountain bike and be able to cycle from Teluk Bahang to Botanical Gardens and continue on to Air Itam dam? Or happy to be cycling on bicycle lanes among the pollution in town?

Marie loves Disneyland, why not go to Disneyland in USA or theme parks in Johor, we Penang do not have to copy other states. Kieran and Kendrick can go to Legoland in Johor while mum goes shopping at the Premium outlet.

Other children from China, Britain, Singapore and many more will prefer to come visit Penang, hiking and mountain biking while breathing in the fresh air on Penang Hill.

CITIZENS CHANT is an apolitical non-government organisation with the sole purpose of creating awareness for our neighbours, environmental protection and sustainable development.