In a promising turn of events, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng is committed to reinstating the iconic Penang ferry service, a cherished symbol of Malaysia’s transport history. Notably, the service’s restoration has garnered the approval of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Restoring the classic ferries, according to Guan Eng, will incur operation costs surpassing RM30 million. However, financial hurdles aren’t the only obstacles to their reintroduction. As Guan Eng revealed, the prior federal administration demolished the ferry terminals crucial to their docking.
Consequently, even with successful restoration of the old ferries, the absence of a docking terminal poses a significant issue. “Even if we restored the old ferries, there is no terminal for it to berth,” Guan Eng clarified in a statement on his Facebook page.
This predicament implies the government cannot immediately restore the ferry services. In response, the idea of constructing a new ferry terminal, capable of handling transport vehicles, is under serious consideration by the unity government. However, this option, too, is marred by substantial costs.
The historic car-carrying ferries were retired on January 1, 2021. Furthermore, the single remaining ferry, which serviced the Penang channel for motorcycles and bicycles, ceased operations this year. Pedestrian passengers have since been compelled to use fast boats departing from the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
In spite of these setbacks, new ferries exclusively for foot passengers are anticipated to commence operations next month.
This news is based on an article from malaymail.com.
