Yeoh (centre) and other Penang MCA leaders making their point at the press conference. IF historical value takes priority over the safety, comfort and efficiency of public transport, then consider the history of the Penang Hill funicular railway and this may add a perspective on the latest changes in the Penang ferry service. Penang MCA liaison committee secretary Yeoh Chin Kah said that on March 19,2011, the then Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen launched the third upgrade of the funicular railway. Though the white-and-blue railway car that exists now looks nothing like the vintage wooden car first used in 1923, it surpassed the old one in terms of capacity, comfort, safety and efficiency.