GEORGE TOWN: The usually packed Penang Hill now looks deserted since its operation was put on hold to make way for recovery and restoration works.
Checks by New Straits Times today found that the front gate of Penang Hill was partially opened and there were only a few People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) members there.
The souvenir and food stalls were also closed.
A trader who sells canned drinks near the ticketing counter of Penang Hill said that she had to close her stall and now her income was severely affected.
"Year end for us is like how the government staff receive bonus. This is the time when we do brisk business.But now we have no choice but to close our shop.
"Thankfully December has just started and we still have time before schools reopen. There is still time for us to make money. Hopefully they will open for visitors soon," said the woman in her 40's who spoke to New Straits Times on condition of anonymity.
Penang Hill was not spared from the extreme weather condition experienced in the state on Nov 4 and 5.
Last month Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the hill was affected by the aftermath of the extreme weather conditions with 68 landslides, rockfalls, fallen trees and branches along the railway track, jeep track and on the summit area.
He said that it would take a month for the restoration works to be completed.