GEORGE TOWN – Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), which operates the region’s oldest port here, will reabsorb ferry operations on January 1 next year in a bid to salvage the 126-year-old cross-channel service.
Currently, the service is under the management of Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of national public transport operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
The ferry fleet is down to only two units due to wear and tear, as well as a lack of spare parts for maintenance.
It is learnt that PPSB will introduce the use of catamarans to replace the ageing fleet, as well as convert the old ferries into floating restaurants for tourists.
PPSB surrendered the service to Rapid Ferry in 2018 because of its inability to stem losses.
The service was the main connector between Penang Island and Seberang Prai through Weld Quay and Butterworth until the Penang Bridge opened in 1985.
PPSB officials said the government is expected to announce the service takeover soon, after operating licences are reissued.
Chief executive V. Sasedharan, when contacted by The Vibes, confirmed the takeover on January 1, but declined to elaborate until an official announcement is made.
“It will not be easy. It will be another challenging task for PPSB.”
The company will find it an uphill task to turn around the ferry service as many people prefer commuting via the Penang and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridges, while tourists usually fly directly to Penang International Airport.
Prasarana, which is under the Finance Ministry, took over the ferry operations on May 1, 2018 to improve the quality of service of five old ferries servicing Pulau Undan, Pulau Talang Talang, Pulau Angsa, Pulau Payar and Pulau Kapas.
Rapid Ferry now operates two ferries, servicing Pulau Angsa and Pulau Talang Talang, at the Raja Tun Uda terminal here and Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim terminal in Butterworth.
In the past two months, the service, which operates at 40-minute intervals, has been disrupted thrice. – The Vibes, December 12, 2020
