GEORGE TOWN: There has been a good response for the free fast-boat ferry service here, says Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
"The services that began this year have seen a good response due to the quick trips and time saved traveling to and from the mainland.
"So far, there have been no delays and it has been well received," he said during a press conference to announce the extension of the waiver of ticket charges for foot passengers wishing to cross the Penang Strait at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) here in George Town on Monday (Dec 20).
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the ferry services will be free for pedestrians for the whole of next year from Jan 1 to Dec 31.
"We have been offering the free services for pedestrians since July 2021 as a state initiative for Malaysians.
"This is supported by the Mutiara pass for unlimited bus rides in the state, which makes public transport in the state by land and sea completely free.
"We will now extend this funding for the whole of next year. This means all Malaysians of any age can use the ferry for free when traveling to and from the island by foot,” said Zairil
"All one has to do is bring their identity card (MyKad) along when getting on the ferry to get a free ticket," he added.
Zairil said this initiative will cost the state government around RM78,000 a month for 65,000 tickets.
"The whole allocation for this initiative is RM936,000," he said.
Zairil said the state government hopes that this initiative will encourage more people to use public transport as well as reduce their burden economically.
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