Stamp collectors now have the opportunity to own limited edition commemorative stamps and first day covers depicting the 100th anniversary of the Penang Hill funicular railway. These stamps and covers showcase the three generations of the funicular, highlighting its history and evolution. In 1923, when the Penang Hill railway first opened, the carriages were made of wood and had separate first and second class compartments. These carriages were used until 1977, when they were upgraded to bright red and white carriages equipped with fans and automatic sliding doors. Each of the Swiss-made red carriages could accommodate up to 80 people, mostly standing. These carriages remained in use for over 30 years until 2010, when an upgrade included a new railway track that eliminated the need for passengers to change trains halfway up. Presently, passengers enjoy non-stop service in blue and white, air-conditioned Swiss-made cars that can carry up to 100 passengers at once.
To celebrate the progress of the railway service since 1923, the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), in collaboration with Pos Malaysia Berhad, has launched commemorative stamps and first day covers as part of the Penang Hill Railway Centenary Celebration. Fiona Liao, the group chief marketing, communications, and sustainability officer of Pos Malaysia, expressed the company’s commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage and celebrating its progress through the launch of these special edition stamps and covers. The commemorative stamps feature images of the Penang Hill Railway, serving as a reminder of resilience and dedication to progress.
The chief minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, who unveiled the stamps and first day covers, emphasized that this initiative was one of many organized by PHC throughout the year to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Penang Hill Railway. The collection includes three differently designed funicular stamps, as well as first day covers, a postcard, and a folder, capturing the significant moments of the railway’s century-long journey. Chow described the collection as not simply an assortment of stamps, but as a commemorative item that connects the past to the future and allows everyone to own a piece of cherished memorabilia.
The limited-edition collectibles are available for purchase at selected post offices throughout Malaysia starting today. The complete set can be acquired for RM64.20. At the launch event held at the bottom station of the Penang Hill railway, Fiona Liao and Chow Kon Yeow were present to mark the unveiling of the special edition stamps.
Commemorative stamps for the Penang Hill Railway Centenary Celebration. — Photos: CHan Boon KaI/ The Star
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
