GEORGE TOWN – After much flip-flopping, the iconic Penang ferry is set to resume operations effective January 1 – but sans the motorists.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the new operator of the cross-channel ferry services said it will resume the services ferrying only motorcyclists, cyclists, and foot passengers.
In a statement today, the port services provider did not indicate if the existing ferries would transport vehicles.
It only reiterated that the previous arrangement of only ferrying three categories of passengers would apply. It would only ferry motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
The ferries will not carry automobiles, leaving motorists no choice but to use the two Penang bridges down south to get across from the mainland to the island.
PPSB also said that based on the advice from Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, fares for foot passengers would be exempted for two weeks from January 1.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz had previously announced that the ferry services will be discontinued only to backtrack on the decision a few days later. Zafrul however did not give any further details.
When sought for a reaction, Penang PKR vice-chairman Jason Ong Khan Lee expressed his dismay that both the federal authorities and the port operator did not engage with the public here over whether the iconic ferry service should be retained or discontinued.
Ong said that if PPSB is operating the ferries at a loss, they should outsource the management of the ferries to the private sector which may have the capability to turn the ferry service provider around.
“We are talking about the state’s history and its iconic status. We should think twice, thrice or more before reaching a decision on the ferries,” said Ong.
Ong said that the port operator and the federal authorities may end up upsetting the people here, who in turn may boycott the port and the ferries altogether.
He hopes that with seven days to go before D-Day (January 1), the federal authorities may want to reconsider on its decision.
“It is not due to political reasons but due to a need to preserve the iconic history of Penang,” said Ong. – The Vibes, December 24, 2020.
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