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ANOTHER option to travel around Penang is now back on the table after the state revived plans to offer water taxis around both the island and mainland.
The initial plan was scrapped after the operator awarded the concessionaire could not get the necessary approval from the Transport Ministry.
However, to ease traffic, especially with the state undergoing massive infrastructure development, Penang is now reassessing plans to offer the waterways service once again.
But this time, state executive councillor, who oversees public transport, Zairil Khir Johari also wants strong water-transport connectivity between the mainland and the island.
Zairil said that the state decided to reassess the plan and explore alternatives for the water taxi service.
"The failure of the original project has not discouraged the state government. Instead, it has prompted a bold decision to expand the scope of the service.
“Rather than focusing solely on the island as initially planned, the new vision is to create a comprehensive water taxi network that will connect both the island and the mainland."
Penang’s expansive body of water offers a unique opportunity for water-based transportation, which can significantly reduce traffic congestion and provide a sustainable alternative to other forms of transport, he said in a statement.
Before the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is completed by 2031, road users have to contend with relying on private transport, motorcycles, ride sharing services and the Rapid Penang public bus and van services.
But congestion continues to remain a sore point for commuters in Penang, especially during peak periods or when school or public holidays descend.
The plan aims to use Penang’s water resources to establish a more efficient and reliable transport system.
This expanded service could prove beneficial for the residents of the island and the mainland, particularly in easing the daily commute.
By connecting key locations between the island and mainland, the water taxis will provide a practical and scenic route for travel, offering residents and visitors an alternative, said Zairil.
Water taxis could operate at intervals between 15 and 45 minutes, making travel both accessible and consistent with Rapid Penang complementing the journey by taking the passengers to their destinations via a short road commute.
The routes were set to include popular destinations such as Straits Quay, Swettenham Pier, Pulau Jerejak, and the Batu Maung Transfer Station, which would have been served by designated jetties.
Meanwhile when opening the Geotechnical engineering seminar at the G Hotel, Zairil said that sensors have been installed along Jalan Tun Sardon as part of an early detection and warnings to prevent landslides.
“A local company is collaborating with the state in this pilot project. From the monitoring, the data collected from the sensors is useful to assess landslide risks."
Commenting on the recent landslide along Jalan Paya Terubong, Zairil said the Public Works Department (JKR) had responded by covering the slope with plastic sheets to reduce soil movement and minimise rainwater impact on the slope’s structure.
Zairil also commended the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Penang for organising the seminar, highlighting its role in advancing safer and more resilient infrastructure in the country.
Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, who is recovering from a scheduled health treatment, delivered his keynote address via a video recording.
He outlined the state’s efforts to strengthen safety guidelines in hillside development and its move towards digitalisation in data monitoring, especially for weather, landslides, and disaster management. – August 29, 2025
