The Malaysian Insight

PENANG Hill visitors can now stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi provided by Telekom Malaysia (TM).

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the service is a joint initiative by Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) and TM, which provided fibre-optic cables and routers, and is responsible for maintenance.

Chow, who is also PHC chairman, said the collaboration is in line with the state government’s aim to boost internet connectivity and turn Penang into a “smart state” by 2030.

The Penang Hill spots with free Wi-Fi service are the lower and upper stations, the Cliff Cafe and Dataran areas.

“Visitors waiting their turn to board the funicular carriage will be able to use the free Wi-Fi to upload photos of the Penang Hill scenery onto social media,” Chow told a press conference at his Komtar office today.

“This helps promote the hill’s diversity, its heritage architecture and other hidden gems.”

State TM general manager Kelvin Lee said visitors will be able to enjoy internet speeds of up to 100 mbps.

The free Wi-Fi can be accessed via an app called “i-foundit!”, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The app locates Wi-Fi hotspots and connects users to almost 14,000 wifi@unifi hotspots nationwide. Penang has 370 wifi@unifi hotspots.

On the Penang Free Wi-Fi service, Chow said the request for proposals to find a new contractor will close next month.

“We will evaluate the proposals to pick the contractor. The free service will then be back online.”

The current service will be suspended starting February 13.

Earlier, Chow announced a RM200,000 allocation for the annual “miau hui” Chinese New Year celebration, organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council and Penang Cultural Inheritors’ Society.

Other contributors to the event are Eastern and Oriental Bhd (RM200,000), BSG Property (RM50,000), NV Alliance (RM30,000) and Hanwellness (RM20,000).

Themed “Thankful for Having You”, the celebration will be held from 4pm to 11pm on February 9 in George Town. – January 28, 2019.