New Funicular Train, Is It Necessary?

Do we need new funicular trains up Penang Hill? Is it necessary to have new trains, especially in this trying time?
I agree with Penang Heritage Trust for condemning the plan by the state government to spend RM40 million to replace the funicular trains.
In a time where we ought to be prudent with our expenditures, Penang State Government have the audacity to proceed with something Penangites don’t actually need right now.
There are far better ways for the state government to spend RM40 million. Even though the budget was allocated by the federal government, I believe the state government can refuse and request the fund to be channeled out to more important and deserving projects considering the state government often chest thumping that they’re the people’s government.
The money can be used to improve roads, sewerage and other development programs. If they really want to spend on tourism product, they should consider putting the money in good use such as maintenance of heritage buildings or maybe introducing new tourism products.
The new funicular purportedly can reduce travelling time from 30 to 20 minutes. Yes, it can save our time travelling up there but for visitors, time is irrelevant. They want to enjoy the journey. They don’t want to see the beautiful flora and fauna whizz pass them at ‘warp speed’.
Penang Hill is a place where time is not an essence of necessity. Tourists want to waste time there. And travelling up there is part of this ‘time wasting’ sojourn. If you want to hurry things up, why go for holiday in the first place?
Numerous breakdowns were cited as a reason for this idea to get new funicular trains. Last year the trains stopped operation for almost 6 months due to technical problem.
With proper care and maintenance, the funicular train can still serve for many more years. I strongly believe this is not the right time to have new funicular train.
Mentioned earlier, the money should be put to good use that benefits the general public in Penang than a small group of hill dwellers and tourist who’re in a hurry. I actually don’t mind if the Ministry of Education hand out these e-book to all primary students. It’ll be much fairer as every student will have equal opportunity in getting better education.