Penang Hill cable car hits 32pc completion; operations expected by late 2027

The Penang Hill cable car project has reached 32 percent completion, with officials projecting the project to be fully operational by August 2027, stated Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during a recent monitoring visit. The state anticipates the service to commence in the last quarter of next year. Speaking at the summit of Penang Hill, Chow highlighted that the project has entered a more favorable phase after the completion of all underground works.

This includes the successful installation of the third tower. "We expect the work to progress faster because above-ground construction is easier to control compared with underground works," Chow elaborated. The underground phase has been particularly challenging, owing to strict technical conditions and the rocky terrain of Penang Hill, which have prohibited the use of heavy machinery, compelling contractors to rely on hand tools.

The RM367.2 million project, currently being undertaken by Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, began construction in January of the previous year. Chow emphasized that the visible installation of the towers should provide reassurance to the public that the project is moving forward steadily despite initial delays.