GEORGE TOWN, March 3 – The Federal Government will consider reinstating the operation of the iconic ferry to Penang which has been stopped since 31 December 2020. The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook said, the effort cannot be carried out immediately because it has to face many challenges including the issue of renovating the ferry terminal. The operation of the iconic ferry cannot be restored immediately and it will take time as many challenges have to be faced.
From an operational point of view to immediately restore this service as the old terminal has been modified for a new ferry that can only carry pedestrians and motorcyclists. We also need to refine the ferry terminal renovation project on both sides of the island and the mainland at the moment which can no longer accommodate the iconic ferry operation involving the movement of four-wheeled vehicles,” he said at a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Office in Komtar here on Wednesday.
He said the ministry realized that there was demand from users for the iconic ferry service that carries four-wheeled vehicles to be reinstated in Penang. Meanwhile, Anthony said, his side will discuss with the Penang Port Commission (SPPP) regarding the situation of the iconic ferry that still exists whether it wants to be turned into a tourist ferry and so on. A total of four new ferries that carry pedestrians and motorcyclists will start operating on August 1.
