Penang: The Penang Hill funicular service will be temporarily closed for seven days from January 4 to 10, 2027, to undergo scheduled annual maintenance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) announced in a statement that the maintenance is part of two major scheduled upkeep sessions conducted each year. These sessions are supervised by engineers from the funicular manufacturer Garaventa AG of Switzerland to ensure that the system is in optimal condition and meets stringent safety requirements.

The first bi-annual maintenance in 2027 will focus on repairs to the track structure at the Lower Station, along with work on the air-conditioning system and funicular roof. PHC also emphasized that daily, weekly, and monthly inspections and maintenance are routinely performed on the funicular system, with checks conducted after operating hours.

During the service closure, visitors seeking to reach the summit of Penang Hill can opt for the jeep service operated by the Penang Hill Jeep Service Association, located near the Penang Botanical Gardens Department, or use the hiking trail. For further inquiries, the public can contact PHC via its hotline at 04-828 8880 or email.