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KUALA LUMPUR: Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz says the government will ensure that the iconic Penang ferries remain in service for now.
He told Dewan Rakyat today that the RM 30 million allocated by the Pakatan Harapan government for Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to maintain ferry services will be channeled in two installments next year.
“The government will ensure that the Port of Penang is required to continue the iconic Penang ferry service,” he said.
Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) thanked Tengku Zafrul for the decision and urged the Minister of Transport to implement it.
“We want the good memories of taking the ferry. It is an unforgettable experience. We need to preserve this piece of history because it cannot be bought with money, ”Lim said, while RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) also thanked Tengku Zafrul.
On quotas, Tengku Zafrul said that 15 million ringgit had been allocated from the federal budget. “The remaining 15 million ringgit will be prepared.”
Earlier, Penang Port Sdn Bhd port operators said they would spend RM64 million to buy five new ships, two of which would carry motorcycles and bicycles.
The cost would also cover the improvement of the terminals on the island and the mainland.
One of the two ferries that are still in operation now will remain to carry only motorcycles for the time being until the new vessels enter service in July 2022. The other vessel will be permanently retired, he said.
It is not immediately known whether Zafrul’s announcement on Dewan Rakyat will lead to changes to PPSB’s previously announced plans.
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