Penang ferry service to continue with prioritising passenger safety

PUTRAJAYA: The federal government has given its assurance that the iconic Penang ferry service will continue while pushing for a modernisation exercise that prioritises passenger safety and comfort.

Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said certain quarters had expressed regret over a decision aimed at making the Penang ferry service safer, faster and less prone to unsustainable maintenance costs, which was occurring at an average of once a month with the existing 47-year-old ferries.

"Passenger safety must be paramount and therefore, a considered decision was made to modernise the ferry fleet to avoid unwanted incidents and inconvenience that may occur," he said in a statement yesterday.

The 126-year-old Penang ferry service is the oldest ferry service in the country, and also the first cross-strait ferry service between Penang Island and the mainland, which began in 1894.

It was previously reported that Penang's iconic car-carrying ferries would cease operations on Dec 31.

Wee said he had again explained to Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow yesterday on 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.

"I appreciate his understanding and we both look forward to moving on with this matter," he added.

The modernisation phase would begin with the introduction of three passengers-only water buses from Jan 1, 2021, to be followed by two vehicle transporters that would carry only two-wheeled motorised vehicles in 2022, he said.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, meanwhile, told the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 17 that RM30 million had been allocated for the fleet modernisation to be released in two tranches -- in 2021 and 2022.

As an interim measure, Wee said Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) would 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 (foot passengers only) for two weeks from Jan 1, 2021, on these fast ferries," he said.

In order to preserve a slice of history unique to Penang, Wee said a process would be initiated to seek proposals to convert the existing ferries into floating restaurants, museums or tourist cruises as suggested by various parties to highlight the contribution to the cultural and heritage identity of the state by these vessels.

He said it was expected that more cars would use the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge to travel between the mainland and Penang Island, which is safer, quicker and less costly than by ferry.

-- BERNAMA