GEORGE TOWN: The federal government today gave its assurance that Penang's 126-year-old ferry service, the oldest in the country, will be continued and would prioritise passenger safety and comfort.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, stressing that passenger safety is paramount, said a decision was made to modernise the ferry fleet to avoid unwanted incidents and inconvenience that may occur.
"Today, I have again explained to Penang Chief Minister (Chow Kon Yeow) the federal government's plan to replace the existing ferries to optimise the safety, sustainability and security of the passenger ferry fleet to ensure that the service continues to be enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
"We have reiterated what was agreed in our earlier meeting on Aug 27 in Parliament. I appreciate his understanding and we both look forward to moving on with this matter," he said today.
Wee said, as clarified in a statement by the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) on Dec 15 regarding the future development of the Penang ferry service, the modernisation phase would begin with introducing three (passenger-only) water buses from Jan 1, 2021.
This, he said, would be followed by two vehicle transporters that would carry only two-wheeled motorised vehicles (motorcycles), and bicycles only, to be received in 2022.
He said that as stated by Finance Minister Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 17, a total of RM30 million had been allocated for this fleet modernisation to be released in two tranches — 2021 and 2022.
"It is expected that more car users will use the existing Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge to travel between the mainland and Penang island, which are safer, quicker, and less costly than by ferry.
"In an interim measure, PPSB will immediately lease two fast ferry vessels to carry passengers and employ the services of one Prasarana-owned ferry for two-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles to aid the transition process to the newer vessels.
"PPSB will also offer free rides (passengers only) for two weeks from Jan 1, 2021 on these fast ferries," he added.
Wee said in order to preserve a slice of history unique to Penang, a process would be initiated to seek proposals to convert the existing ferries into floating restaurants, museums, and/or tourist cruises as suggested by various parties to highlight the vessels' contribution to the cultural and heritage identity of the state.
It was previously reported that Penang's iconic car-carrying ferries would cease operations on Dec 31.
On Jan 1, PPSB, which will take over the ferry service from Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, would operate only fast passenger ferries between the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth and the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda) here, while one of the existing ferries would be used to transport bicycles and motorcycles.
The interim plan is expected to continue until PPSB introduces the use of passenger-only water buses and vehicle transporters by July 2022.