Potential Cable Car Installation Considered for Penang's Thaneer Malai Temple

In a recent statement at the Thaipusam celebration, Deputy Unity Minister, K. Saraswathy, expressed her support for Penang’s bid to establish a cable car project for the Hilltop Murugan Temple. popularly known as the Thanner Malai Temple. As a Penangite herself, she believes that the state is now in a better position to request a higher allocation from the government for this initiative.

Saraswathy emphasised the significance of addressing the needs of elderly devotees who wish to visit the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple to perform their prayers. She stated, “When I say demand, I am saying this as a person from Penang. I will endeavour to get this request from the government approved.”

Despite her desire to support the project, Saraswathy clarified that she is unable to use her position to formally seek funds from the finance ministry for the cable car project. Instead, she emphasised that it is the responsibility of the state government and the Penang Hindu Endowments Board to take the necessary steps to apply for the required funds.

Drawing attention to the success of the Batu Caves Murugan Temple, Saraswathy pointed out that it has received annual allocations from the federal government for years. Notably, it received RM1 million in funding last year alone, enabling the announcement of an escalator project. The cable car project for the Hilltop Murugan Temple was initially proposed in 2012 during the construction phase of the temple.

Source: FMT