The Penang Hill cable car project has reached 31% completion, with the first of its 15 cable car support towers now erected, according to a report by Kwong Wah Yit Poh. The project, which began in June 2024, had experienced some delays following several months of heavy rain in Penang, but construction has recently accelerated as weather conditions improved.

The 2.73km cable car system will have 15 support towers, including five located within the forest and another 10 around the summit, lower station and existing Jeep Track. The first tower erected is Tower No. 3, located in the Botanical Gardens area, and stands at 15 metres high. The contractor will monitor its stability before proceeding with the assembly and installation of Tower No. 2. Towers further along the route are expected to be considerably taller.

Meanwhile, major cable car components are being delivered from Austria, including electromechanical equipment and large bull wheels. Around 60 containers arrived in August, with another batch expected between September and October. Due to the size and weight of the equipment, the Botanical Gardens area is being used for storage and construction activities, contributing to the need for temporary closure of the gardens.

The system will comprise three stations — the Gardens Station, an Turn Station and the Hilltop Station at about 833 metres above sea level. It will operate 50 eight-passenger cabins at a speed of 6 metres per second, with a capacity of about 1,000 passengers per hour. The state government is targeting operations to begin in June 2027. Project costs have risen from an initial estimate of RM245 million to about RM367.2 million.

Masjid Terapung Tanjong Bungah has been officially renamed Masjid Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi and designated as Penang’s Tourism Mosque, marking a new chapter in its role as a centre for worship, education, community engagement and Islamic tourism.

The declaration was officiated by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib during a ceremony held at the mosque.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid, said the renaming goes beyond a change of identity, serving as a tribute to the legacy of Islamic reformist Syed Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hadi, who played a significant role in advancing education, publishing and modern Islamic thought in Penang during the early 20th century.

He said the mosque would continue to function as a place of worship while also serving as a hub for knowledge sharing, community dialogue and Islamic tourism that reflects the values and heritage of Islam in the state.

According to Mohamad, the decision to designate the mosque as Penang’s Tourism Mosque follows the restructuring of the roles of two major mosques in the Northeast District, a move endorsed by the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP). Its prominent beachfront location in Tanjong Bungah and status as one of Penang’s well-known landmarks make it well suited to welcome both local and international visitors throughout the year.

He added that Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi’s intellectual legacy presents an opportunity to develop a new form of intellectual heritage tourism, complementing George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status by highlighting Penang’s contribution to the Malay-Islamic reform movement rather than focusing solely on architecture and food.

As part of the initiative, a dedicated gallery showcasing Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi’s life, ideas and contributions will be established within the mosque grounds. Mohamad said the project aligns with the Penang Islamic Religious Development Agenda (APAI) 2030, which seeks to strengthen the role of mosques as centres for worship, education, welfare, dakwah and Islamic tourism.

(Image source: Buletin Mutiara)

About Mertajam Heights

A residential development in the heart of Bukit Mertajam. Strategically located along Jalan Ciku, immediately opposite Ng Yam Huat food court with an abundance of essential amenities within 2km radius. The development features a 21-storey apartment building that offers a total of 278 residential units and 4 levels of car park. The residential units come in various sizes, ranging from 1,000sq.ft. to 1,498sq.ft. and offer a dual-key option.

*Photo taken in July 2026

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Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd is facing a lawsuit over the alleged breach of a tenancy agreement and the unauthorised demolition of a property located at No. 262, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, raising questions about tenant responsibilities and the protection of older buildings in Penang.

According to a Bursa Malaysia filing, the retailer has been served with a writ of summons and statement of claim by Messrs Ismail, Khoo & Associates, acting on behalf of property owners Cheng Heng Yew and Cheng Kar Tong. Besides Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd, the suit also names Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn Bhd and four individuals as defendants.

The plaintiffs allege that the tenancy agreement was breached and that the premises were demolished without authorisation, resulting in significant losses. They are seeking a court order requiring the defendants to reconstruct the building within two years, together with monthly rental or compensation of RM35,000 until a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) is issued.

The lawsuit also seeks a RM20 million security deposit or bank guarantee to ensure the restoration or reconstruction of the property. In addition, the plaintiffs are claiming RM5.18 million in specific damages, RM10 million in exemplary damages, RM10 million in aggravated damages, as well as interest, legal costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

In its filing, Eco-Shop said it is seeking legal advice and intends to resolve and/or defend against the claims. The company added that it is currently unable to determine the financial impact of the lawsuit, as the matter is still at a preliminary stage and will depend on the outcome of the court proceedings.

The scale of the claims has attracted attention, with the plaintiffs seeking tens of millions of ringgit in damages and financial guarantees, in addition to the reconstruction of the property and ongoing monthly compensation. While the allegations have yet to be proven in court, the case could become one of the more closely watched rental property legal disputes involving a listed retailer.

Penang will conduct an assessment of the structural safety of all heritage buildings across the state following yesterday’s incident where debris from a heritage shophouse along Armenian Street fell, injuring two tourists.

State local government and town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the state government would discuss with the National Heritage Department the appointment of an independent engineer to conduct a study and identify heritage buildings deemed unsafe or at risk.

“Once the study is completed, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) may issue notices to owners of the identified buildings (requiring them) to undertake the necessary restoration works,” he told Bernama on Wednesday (Aug 5).

In the incident, two Sri Lankan tourists were injured after a wooden beam and concrete debris fell from a heritage building along Armenian Street, with preliminary inspections indicating that the collapse was caused by termite damage.

The victims, Mohamad Ammtar, 66, and Fatimah, 55, were given initial treatment at the scene before being taken to the Penang Hospital (HPP) for further treatment.

H’ng stressed that efforts to preserve the heritage value of buildings must not compromise public safety.

He said that although conservation works must retain the original features and structures of heritage buildings, alternative materials that are more durable and safe should be considered when the original materials, such as wood, are no longer suitable.

Regarding the victims’ condition, H’ng said he was informed that the male victim was discharged from HPP on Wednesday after receiving treatment.

However, he said Mohamad Ammtar’s wife was still receiving treatment and would undergo a computerised tomography (CT) scan to assess the extent of her injuries.

On Tuesday, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and MBPP had been asked to issue advisories to owners of heritage buildings across the state.

He said the incident underscored the need to ensure the structural safety of old and heritage buildings to prevent similar occurrences.

Source: Bernama

(Picture: NST Online)