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Haven for hikers

 Haven for hikers

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A picturesque spot on the way up to Penang Hill.-BERNARD SEE/The Star

PENANGITES are a lucky lot when it comes to hiking as there are reportedly more than 30 trails that lead up to Penang Hill for them to choose from.

Most of these trails start from the Penang City Park and Penang Botanic Gardens and they are very popular with not only locals but also visitors from all over the world.

Healthy pursuit: Hikers passing by a spot with a panoramic view of Penang island while making their way up Penang Hill to the No 5 rest area. — BERNARD SEE/The Star

Beautify side, back lanes to attract visitors

Penang to beautify side, back lanes to attract visitors


The Penang Town Hall building in the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. NSTP/File pic

It is business as usual in Penang in the wake of the political crisis in the country as the state government continues with its development plans for the benefit of the people.

At 8am yesterday, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched a project to upgrade and beautify side and back lanes for bicycles, as well as pedestrian routes within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.

He said back lanes in the city were alternative access routes for members of the public, besides serving as maintenance paths, and they would be enhanced with art, landscaping and street furniture to attract visitors.

“These lanes will be upgraded to provide space for recreation, neighbourhood activities and greenery in the city.

“The facilities can also be used for a variety of activities by the local community.

“This will create a sense of safety, cleanliness and wellbeing so that the lanes can be used at all times,” he said when launching the project stretching from Lebuh Ah Quee to Lorong Pitt here.

He said Penang was the best example of a city that achieved the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy living and wellbeing of the people, equality, good jobs and strong economic growth, as well as a sustainable city and society.

“Penang is one of the leading cities in the world, but we still give priority to our environment and heritage sites amid rapid growth.

“The facilities, services and infrastructure we offer have turned the heritage site into a destination of choice for the local community and foreigners to visit, relax and live in.” Bernama

129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020

129-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for CNY 2020


The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight. - NSTP/Mikail Ong Mohamed Basyir

The lighting up of the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, started in a grand manner tonight.

Traditional Chinese lanterns and colourful LED (light emitting diode) lights will illuminate the temple for several days in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The 129-year-old temple has been a hive of activity for photographers looking for angles to capture the massive temple lights including the 33.6m high Kuan Yin statue.

A spellbinding display of fireworks lit the skies, seen as a symbol of peace, good luck and prosperity.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with temple officials jointly performed the lighting ceremony.

They announced to give contributions of RM100,000 each.

Lim lauded the temple committee's effort for continuing the tradition since 1983.

"I must congratulate Kek Lok Si for continuing this tradition,” he said.

The Kek Lok Si temple hosted a dinner in conjunction with its lighting ceremony, together with special prayers held along with a chanting session for the devotees.

Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said that a lot of work had been put for the annual lighting display which has became a must visit spot for avid photographers.

"The experience is something one cannot simply say in words, it is magical and should not be missed," he said.

The colourful lights will be turned on from Jan 24 to Feb 8 from 7.30pm to midnight, and from 7.30pm to 10pm from Feb 9 to Feb 21.

~New Straits Times~

RM175,000 to repair, upgrade Tan jetty - Chow

RM175,000 to repair, upgrade Tan jetty - Chow



A total of RM175,000 has been allocated through the Tanjong Member of Parliament’s office to carry out repair and upgrading works of the Tan Jetty off Weld Quay, which is now gaining popularity as a tourist spot.

North East district and land office assistant engineer Nur Fariza Othman said repair works on the jetty located at the George Town Heritage site commenced on Oct 21 and expected to be completed by Dec 15.

She said the works involved, among others, the installation of 192 poles as well as repair works on the 400-metre-long beam and floor structure.

“During the seven-week repair works we have cordoned off the area, but there are still visitors coming here to take pictures,” she told reporters here Sunday.

She said this after visiting the jetty with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen.

Meanwhile, Chow, who is also Tanjong MP, said the repair and upgrading works of the jetty were implemented after receiving complaints from the public to ensure the safety of visitors there.

He said Tan Jetty was gaining the attention of local and foreign tourists as a place to take pictures after receiving widespread media coverage.

“The increase in the number of visitors here makes the structure of the jetty unstable. So repair works must be carried out immediately for the safety of the visitors,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

World's longest tube water slide at Escape theme park

World's longest tube water slide at Escape theme park in Penang is now open



GEORGE TOWN, Nov 9 -- The world's longest tube water slide at the Escape theme park in Teluk Bahang here is now open to the public.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said for years, Escape theme park has been the leading tourist attraction in Penang and the opening of the new attraction of the 1,111 metre-long water slide will further strengthen its position as number one theme park in Malaysia.

He said a study conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently revealed that 10.9 per cent of international and domestic tourists came to Penang to visit Escape.

“The study shows a remarkable statistic and testament to the importance of Escape to both Penang and Malaysia's tourism growth ambitions,” he said at the official opening of Escape phase 3 - Gravityplay and the Guinness World Records Longest Tube Water Slide here today.

Chow said that the Penang Immigration Department's statistic also showed that the number of visitor arrivals recorded from January to August this year had steeply increased by 207.7 per cent to 89,535 from only 29,101 recorded over the corresponding period of last year.

Also present at the opening ceremony was Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, senator Lim Hui Ying and Penang Escape theme park founder and chief executive officer Sim Choo Kheng.

Meanwhile, Sim said today is the culmination of years of struggle to turn the dreams into reality.

“From conceptualisation to the support we received from the Penang Development Corporation, I am grateful for all those who have contributed to making Escape what it is today - a world-class tourist destination with world-record-setting attractions that generate more smiles per hour for everyone who visits Escape,” said Sim who also admitted having invested RM60 million in the last seven years to build the theme park.

Earlier, Escape Penang also inked a memorandum of understanding with GSPARX Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TNB, to build a photovoltaic facility that will supply renewable energy to Escape.

Sim said this initiative will make Escape the first theme park in Malaysia to go completely carbon neutral.

“At Escape, our eco-friendly parks co-exist with the natural habitat. We want our visitors to experience play amongst the beautiful terrain and rain forest we have here in Penang. This initiative with GSPARX will allow us to be fully self-sustainable and completely carbon neutral, how mother nature intended it to be,” he said.

He also added that the physical construction on an estimated 0.6 hectare of land will complete in over a year and will help reduce the monthly electricity bill of up to 15 per cent.

-- BERNAMA

Penang wants Padi Festival in national tourism calendar

Penang wants Padi Festival in national tourism calendar



BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Penang government plans to enter the International Padi Festival into the national tourism calender.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the event which was entering into its second edition in the state received a very encouraging response and simultaneously proved it could achieve recognition as a national tourism event.

He said that the state government would co-operate with the Penanti State Assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin to discuss measures that must be taken to enable the festival to be entered into the national tourism calender.

‘’The uniqueness of the event can lure visitors and tourists. It is also an experience which cannot be easily obtained especially to those staying in the city.

‘’The organisation of this festival is not just for fun because it has a very clear objective especially in deciding the direction and maintaining the agriculture sector especially the planting of padi in the area,’’ he told reporters after launching the Penang International Padi Festival 2.0 themed ‘Padi Ku Warisan Ku Rezeki Ku’, here today.

Chow said that the festival which would be taking place for three days from yesterday was being held at the Kampung Terus Jetty Padi Field, Penanti here, the oldest padi heritage site in the Seberang Perai area, namely, since the 1800.

The festival was being enlivened with numerous programmes including the first straw art sculpture exhibition in Malaysia, catching fish in the padi field, painting of local sceneries by local artists and sales of fruits, vegetables, food and drinks.

Chow also released fish fries and giant prawn seeds in Terus River to balance the eco-system and to provide a future source of income for the fishermen.

Meanwhile, commenting on the demand of the Penang Fishermen’s Association that the Penang government settle the compensation payments to fishermen affected by the Butterworth Outer Ring Road’s (BORR) reclamation project, Chow said that the state government would look into it to determine if the claim had basis.

-- BERNAMA

Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing

Penang’s Botanical Garden eyes UNESCO World Heritage listing

The Penang government is hopeful that the state will get the distinction of having the fourth botanical garden to be listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said there are three UNESCO-listed botanical gardens worldwide, namely the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the United Kingdom, and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden in Brazil.

Jagdeep said what makes Penang’s Botanical Garden stand out is that it is completely natural whereas the others were man-made.

“Even Nigel Taylor, the curator of Singapore Botanic Gardens, said he was very confident that our botanical garden has a big potential to be listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site,” he said in a press conference here today.

Jagdeep also hoped that the physical works on the Penang Botanical Garden’s Special Area Plan (SAP) could be kick-started by this year.

The Penang Botanical Garden’s SAP, which was proposed in March 2011 and approved and gazetted on July 4 this year, consists of 25 detailed projects, including seven main projects.

According to Jagdeep, the seven key projects are the construction of a central visitor centre, plant conservation and research centre, Malaysiana Boulevard, nature’s amphitheatre, viewing tower and viewing deck, as well as restoration of garden mall and service yard facilities, nursery and irrigation system.

“For the time being, we are working on developing a timeframe for the key projects, and we would prioritise the 2.35-hectare central visitor centre,” he said.

Penang Botanical Garden curator Dr Saw Leng Guan said the entrance of the garden would be relocated approximately 700 metres away from its original position to the central visitor centre once the project was finished.

Saw said the existing parking space would also be relocated and centralised in the central visitor centre as well.

“Visitors would then be ushered into the garden, which would help in reducing traffic congestion and make it more accessible to the public,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

Come admire the beauty of orchids in Penang

Come admire the beauty of orchids in Penang

The annual Penang Orchid Show is happening again aimed at promoting the Pearl of the Orient as a place where beautiful orchids are grown.

Organised by the Penang state government and Federation of Malaya Orchid Society (FOMOS), the Penang Orchid Show 2019 will be taking centre stage at the Penang Botanic Gardens from Aug 11-18, 9am-9pm daily.

State tourism development, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin, said: "This event will attract people, especially orchid lovers, to Penang. The event will focus on competitions and a sale of orchids. Orchid judges from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be coming together at this grand event," he said at a press conference today.

Another focus will be Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences representatives led by Associate Prof S. Sreeramanan, who will provide information on orchid tissue culture and bio-conservation.

FOMOS organising chairman, Tony Tan, said admission to the event where 600 exotic orchids of 60 different species, classes and hybrids will be found, is free.

"Around 10,000 to 20,000 visitors are expected. For the orchid competition, there will be 60 classes with four major prizes: 'Best Plant of the Show', 'Reserved Best Plant', 'Second Reserved Best Plant' and 'Best Species'," said Tan.

On a different subject, Yeoh told reporters that registration for the Miss Asia Global Malaysia 2019/2020 started today, and that the state government and Miss Asia Global Malaysia Pageant will be announcing the date and venue for preliminary screenings in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kuching.

Being held for the first time in Penang, it is another opportunity for the state to promote its sights.



The competition is open to female Malaysians aged 18-28, single and are a minimum height of 1.65m (165cm). Register via https://forms.gle/t6TZ5ZQXhukyrLAy8 by Aug 20.

-- BERNAMA

Promoting Balik Pulau as new tourist destination in Penang

Promoting Balik Pulau as new tourist destination in Penang



BALIK PULAU, July 19 (Bernama) -- The three-day Balik Pulau Festival 2019 from today will promote Balik Pulau as a new tourist destination in Penang.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said many programmes have been organised throughout the festival, including running and cycling events that provide an opportunity for tourists to explore the surrounding Balik Pulau area.

Muhammad Bakhtiar who is also Balik Pulau member of Parliament, said that the public will also be feted to traditional orchestral performances, as well as performances by invited artistes, besides having the chance to win various prizes in lucky draws among them flight tickets, motorcycles, watches, cameras and so on.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the slogan ‘I Love MY (Malaysia)’ in conjunction with Festival Balik Pulau 2019, here today. The slogan, among others, aimed at promoting the spirit of patriotism among the people, especially the young.

“I purposely took advantage of the Balik Pulau Festival to start the ‘I Love MY’ campaign. It should be followed by all Malaysians, as we are all proud of our beloved country. Malaysians should popularise this tagline,” he said.

Earlier, Muhammad Bakhtiar attended a motivational talk by celebrities and entrepreneurs, Ariz Ramli or better known as Caprice, titled ‘Jihad in Education’ to about 1,000 students from schools and institutions of higher learning.

-- BERNAMA

Mural painting gives different satisfaction to an artist

Mural painting gives different satisfaction to an artist



BALIK PULAU, July 21 (Bernama) -- Due to a profound interest in arts, Nasrul Hisham Jamaludin dared to leave his career as a costume designer to venture into a full-time mural art.

The 43-year-old was determined to leave his 15-year career as a costume designer and decided to open a business as a full-time painter by the name of NashArt.

"When I worked as a costume designer, I do portrait painting, mural and others as a part-time job. But when I get used to it and had the feeling that I could go a long way with painting, so I left my job. I set up a business in Ipoh by painting murals, portraits and at the same time, I also did costume designing.

"In addition, I also held workshops on mural painting for the public, so I could not focus on one thing only but to diversify it. We need to be good in marketing," he told Bernama when met after the visit of Tourism, Art and Culture Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik to the mural at Lily Flat, here yesterday.

Nasrul Hisham with four other local artists was given the opportunity to paint murals on the wall of Lily Flat, Green Flat, Seri Indah Flat and Pekan Kongsi, here in conjunction with the three-day 2019 Balik Pulau Arts Festival.

He said painting a mural gave more satisfaction to an artist compared to canvas painting because murals were closer to the community besides the vast space to work.

"Portraiture painting, for example, can only be seen at the Art Gallery or in an exhibition. If painting on the walls, many people can see it and I think these paintings are more appreciated by the community... it does give a different kind of satisfaction," said the Kg Titi Teras-born artist, who has painted eight murals in Kajang, Ipoh and Bagan Datuk since becoming a mural painter in the last five years.

The Penangite noted that a career as a painter could generate a lucrative income if the painter was wise to take the opportunity and know the marketing strategy.

Meanwhile, Amir Andhar Abu Samah, 25, also shared the same opinion and noted that painting a mural was more satisfying from drawing on canvas as the space was quite limited.

"When you paint on canvas, the number of viewers is not large but it is more fun when you paint a mural because we paint it for people to see. I will feel satisfied whenever people look at my work, and we can show what we can do," said the 25-year-old who became a full-time mural painter after graduating in arts in 2014.

His artworks could be seen in areas around Butterworth, Bagan Luar and Kuala Lumpur and in Singapore.

-- BERNAMA

Penang Hill's century-old bungalow to be turned into family lodge, campsite

Penang Hill's century-old bungalow to be turned into family lodge, campsite

Eco-holiday goers will have another reason to immerse themselves in the 130 million-year-old rainforest in Penang Hill once the Hillside Bungalow is refurbished into a family lodge and campsite.

Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House are being renovated under the Hillside Retreat Penang project to tap the eco-tourism potential of Penang Hill.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Cheok Lay Leng said Hillside Bungalow and Tulip House, the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill, are nestled comfortably within the surrounding rainforest.

"Under this project, Hillside Bungalow along upper tunnel road will have four boutique rooms, four bunk rooms plus an open area that can accommodate up to 16, four-person-tents for camping.

"Tulip House, located just below the main Summit Road near the Bee Gallery, will have two rooms. The maximum capacity for this project is about 80 persons," he told a press conference here today.

He said Hillside Retreat Penang is expected to be ready by end of October 2019 and the official launch date will be announced soon.

Cheok said besides a design that blends well with the environment, the refurbished properties will have living and dining areas, toilets and shower rooms, refuse and recyclable material storage, rain harvesting system and many other eco-friendly features.

"Campers will get a chance to indulge themselves under a blanket of stars, inhaling the cool fresh air while casting their eyes over the Milky Way. This is a chance to enjoy a timeless moment of tranquility and intimacy with loved ones in peace and quiet," he said.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project would provide more opportunities for tourists to explore such hidden gems at different parts of Penang Hill with the extended time spent on the hill.

"It also reflects the endeavours of the Penang state government to promote eco-tourism and allowing families to spend quality time together by enjoying the natural beauty of Penang Hill throughout the day," he said.

Built in the early 1900s, Hillside Bungalow is one of the oldest bungalows on Penang Hill and is classified as a Category II heritage building in the Penang Hill Local Plan 1998 and Penang Hill Special Area Plan 2016.

The bungalow was once used as a rest house for British government officers. It was turned into a rest house for public servants after Independence and left vacant.

Tulip House was built by the British in the 1920s for workers at that time, and the place was used as a government quarters after Independence. It was then handed over to PHC after 2011 and was renovated in 2016.

-- BERNAMA

Penang Dragon Boat Regratta

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

ENTOPIA BY PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM



Recently relaunched after an extensive facelift, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is a large butterfly enclave with about 15,000 butterflies, dragonflies, and fireflies. It is an ideal place to entertain and educate both children and adults alike.

Operating Days Monday - Sunday
Operating Hours 9.00am - 7.00pm
Contact Number +604 888 8111

Entrance Fee

RM49.00 per adult (with MyKad; 13 to 59 years old)
RM65.00 per adult (without MyKad; 13 to 59 years old)
RM29.00 per child (with MyKad; 4 - 12 years)
RM45.00 per child (without MyKad; 4 - 12 years)
RM29.00 per senior citizen (with MyKad; 60 years and above)
RM45.00 per senior citizen (without MyKad; 60 years and above)

Email
info@entopia.com

Website
https://entopia.com/

Address
830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang, MALAYSIA

~info courtesy of mypenang.gov.my~

Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas

Ministry cautions public on 12 dangerous water recreation areas

The Housing and Local Government Ministry has advised the people to exercise caution when carrying out any activities at 12 water recreation areas nationwide which are considered dangerous and prone to tragedies.

Its deputy minister Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the 12 areas were five rivers, one lake/mine/dam, three waterfalls and three beaches.

The rivers are Sungai (Sg) Kampung (Kg) Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah; Sg SJKC Kg Timah, Sg Ciling and Sg Gasi in Selangor; and Sg Kg Sabak, Kelantan.

“Semenyih Dam, Selangor; Sg Sendat Waterfall (Selangor), Lata Berembun Waterfall and Chamang Waterfall in Pahang. The beaches include Nipah and Muara Tok Bali (Kelantan) and Teluk Bahang, Penang,” he said.

He told reporters after launching the Water Activity Safety Awareness Campaign organised by the Water Activity Safety Council (MKAA) in Pulau Warisan here today.

According to the statistics, Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said Selangor recorded the highest number of water-related deaths namely 44, followed by Sarawak (34) and Perak (22). - Bernama

Hiking trail in Balik Pulau in a sad state

Hiking trail in Balik Pulau in a sad state



Dangerous condition: A man walking on the broken planks at the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang.

Old habits die hard in new Malaysia as seen in the garbage strewn along a hiking trail leading to the popular Teluk Kampi beach here.

Broken benches and damaged items could also be seen there.

This, plus the unkempt facilities, mar the beauty of the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang.

Nature lovers are upset with the deplorable condition, especially those along the popular hiking trails that draw thousands of people each year.

“The resting area has also been infested with termites,” said hiker Eddie Lim yesterday.

“This is dangerous as it could collapse anytime.”

He said that it was unacceptable for the authorities not to take any action.

Teluk Bahang assemblyman Zol­kifly Md Lazim said he would visit the trail today to find out more about the conditions there.

“I am not aware of it. I will seek financial assistance from the state for immediate repairs on the facilities.

“I am sure we have the manpo­wer to do small upgrading works,” he said.

“The park comes under the Federal Government and I will also write to them for allocations.”

Gazetted on April 10, 2003, the 1.213ha national park was given a major upgrading work under the Eighth and Ninth Malaysia Plans.

The makeover transformed the Teluk Bahang entrance to the park into an impressive administration area with a modern facade comprising an office, information and registration counter as well as an interactive Interpretation Centre and Exhibition Gallery.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Temple Festival 槟城庙会 2018

Penang Hill funicular train service suspended after flash floods

Penang Hill funicular train service suspended after flash floods

The Penang Hill funicular train service has been suspended until further notice following flash floods here.

"Every effort is being made to normalise operations as soon as possible," it said on its Facebook page Sunday, apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Putrajaya has mobilised the police and the military to help with the flood situation.

For details, log in to www.penanghill.gov.my.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang tourism to ride high with moviegoers soon

Penang tourism to ride high with moviegoers soon



Grown-ups on bicycle: (From left) Dr Koh, Sun and Songpaisarn posing in front of the mural in Lebuh Keng Kwee.

A young man goes all out to woo a lovely lass. He remembers a tender moment they shared when he picked her up on his vintage bicycle, and “capitalises” on it by painting a mural of them on his two-wheeler.

The woman is moved on seeing the painting, and soon love blossoms.

This scene will be part of a romantic movie by a producer from China which will hit the silver screen in more than 5,000 cinemas around the world.

Titled Shining Love, the movie stars Thai heartthrob Yuke Songpaisarn and the angelic Sun Yao Qi from China.

The producers commissioned realism artist Dr Caryn Koh, a medical doctor from Kuala Lumpur, to paint the mural.

She completed the task on Monday night after five days on it.

Filming the scenes involving the mural was done on Tuesday.

Those who watch the movie elsewhere may be drawn to Penang for a chance to be photographed with the bicycle mural located in Lebuh Keng Kwee near the famous Penang Road Teochew Cendol stall.

Dr Koh’s manager, Tan Chor Whye, said the mural was an 11th hour addition by the producers.

“The original script used a tall picture of something else. But when the movie makers saw how much people loved the Children on Bicycle mural, they went with the flow,” Tan said.

The Children on Bicycle mural near the corner of Armenian Street and Beach Street was painted by Ernest Zacharevic for the George Town Fes­tival 2012.

Tan described the new mural as a “grown-up version” of the one with the children.

“There is just one problem. The movie producers did not have enough time to get the necessary approval from the state’s public art review panel to have their mural prop painted,” he said, adding that the producers felt bad as they committed to the change in the script without knowing that the panel’s approval was needed.

“We submitted all the necessary documents and will abide by the panel’s decision.

“If the mural is deemed unsuitable, we will have it erased. But I hope not,” he added.

George Town World Heritage Incorporated manager Chuah Ai Kheng confirmed that the producer submitted all the documents on Monday and the panel would make a decision within two weeks.

The movie is produced by Beijing Fengren Studios Co Ltd and directed by Shi Lei of Hong Kong.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Penang Hill needs cable car connection, says Nazri

Penang Hill needs cable car connection, says Nazri

Penang Hill is in dire need of a cable car connection and the Tourism and Culture Ministry has been applying for the RM325mil funds needed to build it.

"We have been applying since two years ago and we will keep putting it in the budget proposals until the Government has enough money for it," said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz (pic).

He said the cable car was not only a tourist attraction but also a mode of transportation.

"It starts from the Penang Botanic Gardens. The first leg goes up to the hill and from there, passengers can take another cable car to Teluk Bahang.

"It will be faster than driving," said Nazri, adding that the planned cable car station in Teluk Bahang will be located close to the Escape theme park and Entopia, formerly Penang Butterfly Farm.

Mohd Nazri said the number of visitors to Penang Hill has increased from 200,000 in 2008 to 1.6 million this year.

"We know how badly the cable car is needed.

"It only depends on Government income. Sooner or later, the price of oil will go up again and we will have the budget for it."

Nazri was speaking to reporters after opening THE TOP@Komtar.

The rejuvenation of this 31-year-old landmark icon now includes an observatory deck on Level 65 and a glass skywalk in the new rooftop on Level 68, on top of a myriad of carnival attractions in Level Five that is accessible through Komtar's Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong side.

"This old building has gone through an amazing transformation. We are listing Komtar now as a must-visit place in all our promotional literature of Penang," he said.

Komtar underwent a revitalisation programme after Only World Group, a listed company specialising in building theme parks and tourism attractions, won a 45-year lease of about 300,000 sq ft of floor space in the building.

Also at the launching were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and several local government leaders and businessmen.

~News courtesy of The Star~