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GEORGE TOWN: Penang has welcomed the federal government’s decision to ensure that the state’s iconic ferries remain in service.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision was in line with the position of the state government and the people of Penang who wanted the 126-year-old transportation service to continue to operate.
“I found out about this this morning and I welcome it (the decision). This ferry service will continue to be enjoyed not only by Penang residents, but also by fellow Malaysians and tourists alike, ”he told reporters here.
Chow said he understands the risk of continuing existing service if ferry safety regulations are not followed and the cost of repairs is three times higher.
He said the matter could be resolved if Putrajaya provided an appropriate allocation to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Port of Penang Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to maintain ferry service.
Prior to this, PPC had announced that the Penang ferry service, which connects the mainland at Seberang Perai with the island state, will be replaced by speedboats from January 1.
But this morning, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz told Dewan Rakyat that the PPSB would be required to continue the Penang ferry service, which has become an icon and was of heritage value in the state for now.
