GEORGE TOWN – The aging Penang ferry service has suffered another malfunction – the second incident in two months – when the ramp at its pier in the Weld Quay terminal broke down at 8am after its hydraulic pump stalled.
It forced ferry services to be scrapped for the better part of the day.
Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd, who operates the service, was forced to turn around one ferry midway on its journey back to Butterworth.
It dispatched stage busses to ferry the stranded passengers across to the island
According to Penang exco for Infrastructure and Transport, Zairil Khir Johari, there are two ramps on the Weld Quay terminal.
One is on schedule maintenance for three days from October 13 to 15.
Unfortunately, the other one broke down today.
“Rapid Ferry suspects it is because of over usage that caused the hydraulic pump to burst.”
This incident brought about several calls by state assemblymen at the legislative assembly sitting here for the federal government to allow the port operator, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), to manage the ferries again.
“As far as PPSB is concerned, that is within the powers of the federal government to appoint the operator. The state only wants to ensure services are continued for the benefit of the public.
“The ferry is an important mode of transport for Penangites and whatever plans the federal government has, we hope they will include the state so we can assist and facilitate,” said Zairil.
The ramp was eventually repaired by 4pm and normal services have since resumed.
In a statement, Consumers’ Association of Penang’s president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the operator needs to be answerable for the repeated disruption of services.
Ferries have been in operation in Penang since 1894, making it the oldest ferry service in Malaysia.
Recently, many issues have befallen its operations, stemming from serious engine malfunctions, which has caused uproar among Penangites who cross the channel daily for work. – The Vibes, October 14, 2020.
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