Penang Hill traders seek compensation
Months-long closure causing shop owners to lose income
GEORGE TOWN:
With Penang Hill closed for recovery and restoration work since Nov 5, some 30 traders at the hilltop are counting their losses during the peak holiday season.
A henna painting and foot massage operator, who declined to be named, said a few of them had tried to get compensation from the authorities but are unsure if they will get anything.
“I have to pay three workers, plus the RM500 rental. How can I survive without an income?
“They told us Penang Hill would be open to visitors in 10 days, but it has already been more than a month.
“Why couldn’t they tell us it would take at least two months.
“We would have looked for alternatives,” said the 47-year-old trader, who used to earn about RM10,000 every month.
There were about 30 landslides on Penang Hill during the recent storm on Nov 4 and 5, with at least two major ones near a Hindu temple and mosque at the hilltop.
Tonnes of earth also fell onto the Penang Hill funicular railway track, which is only expected to resume operations on Dec 31.
There are 26 hawkers and stall traders at the food court, and another seven traders outside the food court at the hilltop.
Another seven traders are operating from the shoplots on the foothill.
One of them, Kamariah Mohd, 60, said the place looked deserted following the temporary closure.
She said they had appealed to the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for a reduction on the RM500 monthly rental.
“How can I pay rental when there is no business at all? We can’t cope.
Penang Hill Corporation general manager L.L. Cheok said the corporation was open to negotiations and urged those affected to see him.
He, however, said those who operate at the hilltop food court should seek help from Penang Island City Council (MBPP) as the shops belong to them.
“Only the seven shops outside the food court belong to us,” he said.
Several visitors, some who came from as far as Johor, were not aware of the temporary closure.
One of them, who wanted to be known as Abdul Raof, drove all the way from Skudai, Johor, with his family.
“I came here four years ago, and thought it was a good idea to visit the place again.
“But it’s closed,” he said. Another family of six, who came from Seremban, was also left disappointed.
Azmi Abu Bakar said they had booked a chalet in Batu Maung and could only check in at 2pm.
“We wanted to go up the hill as we have heard good reviews about the place,” he said.