GEORGE TOWN – Penang MIC has joined a growing chorus of organisations and individuals seeking the Penang Port Commission to bring back the iconic double decker ferries to alleviate traffic congestion and add more value to tourism here.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd had previously stated that restarting the service would mean spending millions to revive the ferries.
The last operator incurred losses of up to RM30 million in the past decade.
Despite the financial losses, Penang MIC secretary J. Dhinagaran took to Facebook to express the party’s wishes to see the revival of the iconic ferries for Penang.
The Penang ferry, he said, has been an integral part of the state’s heritage and culture.
“By reinstating the Penang ferry, we would not only bring back our identity to life, but the traffic jam on the Penang Bridge can be greatly reduced.
“Currently, those from the northern part are forced to use Penang Bridge, and this causes more (traffic) jams at the toll (plazas), and towards the exit at Gelugor and Bayan Baru,” said Dhinagaran.
He expressed his hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Transport Minister Anthony Loke could find the necessary resources to bring back the ferries, as it can help provide some relief against the worsening traffic congestion here.
“With Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year, and Thaipusam coming in one stretch, congestion in the state would be under undue stress,” said Dhinagaran.
The government should revive the service by reinstating at least two to four ferries.
Bringing back the service would also be another way to boost tourism, said Dhinagaran.
Earlier, former Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi had reportedly said that DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng had used the revival of the ferries as campaign material in the last general election.
“Well, the people supported him, so it is within his duty to try to bring back the ferries or bring ferries that can transport vehicles and motorcycles across the Penang Channel.
“It can help ease congestion,” said Ooi. – The Vibes, December 18, 2022
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