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GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s iconic ferries, put to graze starting today, could be back in action if Pakatan Harapan takes over the federal government, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said today.
Stating that the removal of the ferries was a political move, he said open deck ferries will likely return if there is a change in Putrajaya.
He criticized Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong and his party, MCA, for being “determined” to recall the iconic vessels, even though they are part of Penang’s heritage and culture.
“This is a sad day. I think we should not be discouraged by the heartless. What we need is a change of government in Putrajaya.
“We need to change the Transport Minister from Wee to Loke Siew Fook,” he said, referring to the Seremban MP, who was Transport Minister before the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government in February this year.
Lim said that when he was finance minister, he allocated a cash grant of ringgit 30 million to a company that was taking over the ferry services, which he said was recently confirmed by his successor Tengku Zafrul Aziz in Parliament.
He said all the talk about old open deck ferries being unsafe and expensive was unfounded. The RM30 million would have easily covered any repairs and maintenance.
“We are not asking to operate the 10 old ferries, but at least retain two to cross the channel. Even with short intervals, it’s fine. We are not against catamarans, but we believe that new and old ferries should run side by side.
“There are no words that can describe our sense of loss, because this is not just our cultural heritage, it is a part of Penang’s history. It is a symbol of Penang, it is part of our soul that has been taken away, ‘dirobek’ (gutted), ”he said.
The old ferries will only be available for two-wheelers from tomorrow. Cars will no longer be able to use the ferry, while pedestrians will have to take speedboats from Swettenham Pier.
In July 2022, three new water buses will operate from the original ferry terminals on the island for pedestrians, while two cigarette lighters are also expected to operate to carry motorcycles.
