GEORGE TOWN, August 30 — The Penang state government is exploring the launch of a statewide water taxi service connecting the island and mainland, following the collapse of an earlier pilot project that focused only on Penang island.
State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the original tender, awarded by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), was cancelled after the operator failed to secure the necessary Transport Ministry permits within the stipulated timeframe.
Zairil explained that the state has since taken over the project from the city council and broadened its scope to make better use of Penang’s waterways for inter-island and mainland connections. He added that further research is needed to ensure feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
With the state looking to successful models abroad, such as India, for reference. The earlier cancelled project had proposed six routes with stops at Straits Quay, Swettenham Pier, Pulau Jerejak, and Batu Maung, but failed to move forward due to licensing issues.
