By Phuah Ken Lin

GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: Thousands of holidaymakers took advantage of the free rides offered for half a day by the Penang Hill railway authorities to visit the landmark tourist attraction here yesterday.

The offer of free rides marked the resumption of the funicular train service which had been suspended since June 25.

Zailan Hassan, 42, from Kuala Lumpur, who took the scenic train ride with his family, said: "We are glad to be able to appreciate the spectacular bird's eye view at the top of the hill.

"This is the second time we are here.

"We had to skip going up the hill when we were here in August as the service was interrupted."
Another visitor, Emily Tan, said she was excited to take her 3-year-old daughter to check out the train ride.

"I am impressed by the improved air ventilation system and the upgraded narration system fitted on board the carriage," said the 32-year-old housewife.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the cable replacement cost about RM700,000 and took two months to complete.

He said this after reopening the funicular train service yesterday.