KUALA LUMPUR: Sustainability must be accorded the highest priority as Penang Hill's cable car project kicks off, which will see it transformed into a must-visit historical landmark.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman said the state government and developers must pay heed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to protect Penang Hill's unique environment and cultural heritage.
She said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) reports, which the non-governmental organisation have been pushing for, were not publicised prior to the project's approval.
"The public had no chance to review them and provide feedback. All we have now are the assurances from the authorities that environmental concerns have been taken into account and will be respected," she told the New Straits Times.
SAM had previously raised environmental concerns involving the project and urged the government to put it on hold until all assessment reports have been displayed and the local plan done.
Meenakshi said SAM would be keeping an eye to see how these concerns will be addressed, while the authorities should also have a mechanism in place for the public to complain should problems arise.
"We hope there will be proper monitoring and enforcement by the authorities."
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Nigel Wong said great care must be given to the area to ensure that there would not be over-development.
He said the existing funicular service there was overtaxed, and the cable car project would help address the overcrowding, while giving mobility options to tourists visiting the place.
"We expect more attractions coming up on Penang Hill, but they must not be at the expense of the conservation and preservation of nature.
"There should be a proper feasibility study to ensure minimal impact on the environment and ensure that development of the cable car system is in line with the (United Nations) sustainable development goals," he said.
In addition, he said, the cable car project will also help local businesses on the island, especially those in the area.
