Hartasuma Sdn Bhd said this was part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiative to assist visitors ascend a set of staircases equivalent to a 20-storey climb to reach the temple summit.

“The challenging ascent has long been an impediment to accessibility, particularly for elderly worshippers, tourists, and visitors with mobility issues.

“Hartasuma will first undertake a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the most appropriate technical solution for deployment,” the company said in a statement.

The Waterfall Hilltop Temple, also known as the Thanneermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Devasthanam Temple, sits at an altitude of over 100m and is one of the largest temples in Malaysia devoted to Lord Murugan.

The temple was expected to receive around 1.5 million visitors during Thaipusam this year.

Hartasuma executive director M Ravindran Menon said the initiative is not just about transportation, but also inclusivity, preserving heritage, and ensuring that every visitor, regardless of age or ability, can access the site with ease.

“We are proud to be contributing dynamically to Penang’s development and look forward to working closely with the state government to bring this vision to life,” he added.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged the long-term benefits of improving accessibility to the temple.

He said the feasibility study is expected to take six months, while construction is estimated to take 24 months. The cost is expected to be between RM4-6 million.

Once completed, the facility will be handed over to the state government for operation and maintenance.

“This construction does not involve funds from the temple, the Penang Hindu Endowments Board or the state government. However, given its importance, we are open to providing some assistance if necessary, though if Hartasuma can fully fund the project, it would be great news,” Bernama quoted him as saying.