GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Port Commission (PPC) will ensure the welfare of all traders at the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal is protected after the transfer of ferry operations to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said it has met all the traders affected by the relocation of ferry operations for pedestrians.
"I have assured them (traders) that we are planning to temporarily transfer them to SPCT so that they can continue their business.
"We need about two weeks for the renovation process at SPCT before they are allowed to do business there," he told reporters after conducting a survey of the first day of the Penang fast-boat operation here today.
He said PPC also intends to provide free rent temporarily to those who moving from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal to SPCT.
So far, Tan said almost 10 stalls at the Tun Uda Ferry Terminal would be affected by the transfer of ferry operations for pedestrians to SPCT.
Previously, traders at the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal had expressed concern about the future of their business after ferry operations after the move to SPCT, about 1km away.
Meanwhile, Tan said the fast-boat operation, which started at 6.30am, began smoothly.
He said the two fast boats are expected to ferry 10,000 people by 11pm today.
"The maximum capacity of the fast boat is 200 passengers and we provide one boat every 30 minutes," he said.
Starting today, the fast-boat services will begin carrying pedestrian passengers, replacing the iconic ferry operating for the past 126 years.
The existing ferry will now only be used for cyclists and motorcyclists until July 2022, while the ferry service for cars was terminated effective today. – Bernama, January 1, 2021
