GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Port Commission (PPC) should have provided a business plan to the state government when it gifted one of its double-decker ferries, said former senior officials with the body.
They told The Vibes that it remains to be seen whether the vessel is functional, or one of the remaining seven that are saddled with maintenance issues.
They also chided the commission, saying the ferry should not be labelled a “gift” as PPC comprises state representatives and operates on taxpayer money.
Among the issues raised are the vessel’s berthing spot and whether it will be used to supplement the cross-channel service.
“It is important for PPC and operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to find a way to sustain the ferries instead of putting them to pasture on the grounds of costs and falling demand.”
State infrastructure exco Zairil Khir Johari said the Penang administration appreciates the gift from PPC.
“Our next step is to deliberate on what we will do with it. The factors we will take into consideration are restoration and maintenance costs.”
PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng earlier said the ferry was given due to the commission’s good relationship with the state government.
He said he met Zairil on January 11 to discuss the fate of the old ferries.
“We requested that the Penang government share its plans for the ferries in that discussion.”
On January 18, Zairil informed PPC that the state intended to take over one of the ferries, he said.
“Due to the good relationship and cooperation between the state and PPC, and taking into account that both parties have the same goal of protecting the rights of Penangites, we agreed to give the state one of the ferries, as per its request.”
PPC will also call a request for proposal to turn the remaining ferries into floating museums, restaurants and tourist vessels.
At present, PPSB is operating the cross-channel service, using catamarans to transport foot passengers from the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth to the Swettenham Cruise Pier Terminal on the island from 6am to 11pm daily.
It plans to introduce passenger-only water buses, and transporters for motorcyclists and cyclists by July next year. – The Vibes, January 29, 2021
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