GEORGE TOWN, January 13 — The Transport Ministry has invited private companies to submit proposals to operate water taxi services in Penang, provided they fully comply with safety, licensing and technical requirements, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
He noted that a previous proposal was rejected as it failed to meet essential criteria, including approvals from the Transport Ministry, the Maritime Department and the Penang Port Commission, as well as clear plans for landing points and jetty locations, stressing that maritime transport demands strict adherence to safety standards.
Despite earlier setbacks, Loke said the ministry remains open to new proposals from interested investors, emphasising that Penang’s water taxi concept could still be realised if all regulatory and safety conditions are met.
He added that a past pilot project was cancelled after the operator failed to secure the necessary permits, reiterating that any future service must obtain full operating licences before commencing operations.
