[ad_1]
GEORGE TOWN: Foot passengers wishing to cross the Penang Strait can do so for free from January 1-14 next year with a two-week free trial as the Federal Government introduced new vessels to replace Penang’s ferries .
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) said free services will be provided on the advice of Transport Minister Datuk Seri, Dr. Wee Ka Siong.
He also said that as of January 1, PPSB will continue to provide services to transport motorcycles and bicycles through the canal using the remaining old ferry owned by Prasarana Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wee said on Facebook that the 126-year-old ferry service is the oldest in the country, as it is the first ferry service to cross the strait between Penang Island and the mainland, which began in 1894. .
“As such, it is undeniable that the service carries an intangible cultural and cultural heritage for many Malaysians,” he said, acknowledging that many had expressed disappointment with the decision.
He noted that the measure aims to make the ferry service safer, faster and less prone to unsustainable maintenance costs.
Dr Wee said that existing 47-year-old ferries should be serviced on average once a month.
“Passenger safety must be paramount and therefore a thoughtful decision was made to modernize the ferry fleet to avoid unwanted incidents and inconveniences,” said Dr. Wee.
He added that he had explained the federal government’s plan to take the ferry service to greater heights by optimizing safety, sustainability and safety to Penang’s Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the ministry has reiterated what was agreed in a meeting on August 27 in Parliament.
As clarified by the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and PPSB on December 15, the modernization phase will begin with the introduction of three water buses (passenger only) starting on January 1, 2021, followed by two transporters of vehicles in 2022 that will carry only motorcycles and bicycles.
“As stated by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in Dewan Rakyat on December 17, a total of RM30 thousand was allocated for modernization, which will be released in two tranches, in 2021 and 2022,” he said.
As an interim measure, PPSB has leased two fast ferries exclusively for passenger service, while using the services of the Prasarana-owned two-wheeler ferry while awaiting the arrival of the two vehicle carriers mentioned above.
Dr Wee said that a process will begin to seek proposals to repurpose existing ferries in restaurants, museums and / or tourist attractions to preserve Penang’s unique history.
[ad_2]
