GEORGE TOWN: Popular tourist spots in the state are seeing an increase in the number of domestic visitors on the first weekend of the implementation of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
Checks by the New Straits Times at Penang Hill here found a steady stream of domestic tourists making their way up the hilltop via the funicular train service.
The funicular train service re-opened to the public on Wednesday, amid stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as registration of visitors, body temperature checks, hand sanitising and social distancing.
The load for each train trip has also been reduced to one-third of the usual capacity.
One of the visitors today was Abzim Mohd Jain, 45, from Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur, who, along with his wife and friends, made a pit stop to the hilltop before continuing their journey back to his wife's hometown in Kedah.
Abzim began his journey from Kuala Lumpur at 3am, and upon reaching Penang, headed to Penang Hill.
"It is nice that interstate travel is now permitted. I have been to Penang Hill many times but still find joy every time I come here. I am glad I am able to visit again now.
"Also, it is refreshing to travel to Penang, knowing that the state is enjoying the green zone status for more than a month now. I feel very safe here," he said when met.
Abzim and his wife were supposed to go for holiday on a cruise from Penang but the journey had been postponed twice, once in February and again in April, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abzim said he was satisfied with the SOP engaged by Penang Hill to ensure the safety of tourists.
Also met on the hilltop was hiker Ken Chan, 25, and his two friends. This is their first hiking trip to Penang Hill since the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"We have all been staying and working from home since the MCO and this is our first face-to-face meeting. We choose Penang Hill due to its cool air and the nice ambience.
"With Penang being declared a green zone for more than a month now, we feel very safe coming out of our homes to enjoy the fresh air," he said.
Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said it was good to see people slowly coming back to Penang Hill.
When Penang Hill first opened to hikers on June 6, there were less than 100 people. The following day, the number of hikers surged to 400 and continues to increase.
"Since this is the first weekend of the RMCO, we are seeing a steady stream of tourists up on the hilltop. This is indeed a good sign, that people are enjoying the hill. Maybe we can get 1,000 visitors at the end of the day."
Cheok said despite Penang Hill being closed to visitors for more than two months, it was work as usual for them there as daily maintenance and cleaning works were still carried out.
Elsewhere, tourists are also making their way to the famed Balik Pulau to savour Penang's famous 'king of fruits' as well as within the inner city to enjoy the heritage trail.