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GEORGE TOWN: Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) has announced that it will provide two weeks of free ferry services to foot passengers starting January 1, 2021.
He said the free services would be for two weeks until January 14 and were provided on the advice of Transport Minister Datuk Seri, Dr. Wee Ka Siong.
Starting January 1 next year, PPSB will provide ferry services to transport motorcycles and bicycles, it said in a statement on Thursday (December 24).
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Dr. Wee said the 126-year-old ferry services would continue and prioritize the safety and comfort of passengers.
He said several quarters had expressed regret over a ministry decision aimed at making the Penang ferry service safer, faster and less prone to unsustainable maintenance costs, which happened once a month on average with ferries. existing 47 years.
“Passenger safety must be paramount and therefore a thoughtful decision was made to modernize the ferry fleet to avoid unwanted incidents and inconveniences that may occur,” he said.
Dr Wee added that he had explained to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow the federal government’s plan to replace existing ferries and optimize the safety, sustainability and safety of the passenger ferry fleet.
He said the ministry had reiterated what was agreed at the previous August 27 meeting in Parliament and expressed appreciation for Chow’s understanding.
“As clarified in a statement by the Penang Port Commission and PPSB on December 15, regarding the future development of the Penang ferry service, the modernization phase will begin with the introduction of three water buses (passenger only) starting January 1, 21 followed by two vehicle carriers that will only carry motorcycles and bicycles, to be received in 2022.
“As stated by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, in the Dewan Rakyat on December 17, a total of RM30 thousand was allocated for this modernization of the fleet which will be delivered in two tranches, that is, in 2021 and 2022, “he said.
As an interim measure, PPSB will immediately lease two fast ferries to carry passengers and employ the services of a Prasarana-owned ferry for two-wheelers, motorcycles and bicycles to assist in the transition process to newer vessels.
Dr Wee added that a process would be initiated to seek proposals to convert existing ferries into floating restaurants, museums and / or tourist cruises as suggested by various parties to highlight the contribution to Penang’s cultural and heritage identity.
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