THE TRANSPORT Ministry is collaborating with the Penang government to provide free rides on the ferry and public shuttle bus services during the upcoming Thaipusam festival in a bid to alleviate the anticipated road congestion on the island.
The free services are scheduled from 7am on January 24 until 2am on January 26.
This comes after the ministry announced that it is offering free rides to Klang Valley KTM train commuters in the Klang Valley on both days in conjunction with the religious celebration.
The cross-channel ferry service, operated by the Penang Port Sdn Bhd, will provide complimentary rides non-stop.
Likewise, Rapid Penang will provide free shuttle services to all locations along the Thaipusam chariot route during the period.
On January 24, the ferry service will operate for 24 hours. This would be the first time that the newly acquired ferries would operate into the night and pre-dawn hours in Penang.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke made the announcement today after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), a federal statutory body, and the Penang State Housing Board.
Also witnessing the signing were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillor Datuk S. Sundarajoo.
The MoU spells out a joint venture between RAC and the state to redevelop the squatter colony of Kg Manis in Butterworth into a new housing and commercial scheme.
The area is near the Malaysian Railway Services’ (KTM) station and Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
The state has already reached an agreement with the squatters to have them resettled.
Loke said that KTM will provide free train rides to the locations, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion on roads.
“This is our first attempt to reduce congestion during crowded public holidays.
“We are informed that close to 500,000 visitors are expected (in Batu Caves). Likewise in Penang, which is the second largest, the crowd will be immense.”
Loke said that devotees and visitors in Penang can just use the ferries and shuttle buses.
The chariot procession route is from town to the temple enclave in the Waterfalls, Penang.
He added that devotees and visitors need not use their own vehicles, as the roads would already be congested, said Loke.
In another development, the ministry will prepare a cabinet paper on the proposed RM100 million Light Rail Transit (LRT) service for Penang’s island and mainland.
This comes after a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the matter, said Loke. –The Vibes, January 16, 2024
