GEORGE TOWN: Penang is calling for proposals to set up its water taxi service as another form of public transportation on the island.
Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) intends to provide the water taxi service on the island as an alternative mode of transport service that would be easily accessible by the public to alleviate traffic congestion.
"It would provide additional access to the public for long distance travel within the city as well as for tourism purposes.
"The Transport Ministry has given conditional approval to MBPP on Oct 18," he said during a press conference in Komtar on Friday (Dec 9).
Zairil said the request for proposal (RFP) would be advertised on Dec 12 and close on Feb 27 next year.
"The RFP is open to all local companies and the bidder has to be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
"They must also have a minimum paid-up capital of RM500,000 and it is compulsory for them to attend briefings to be conducted.
"Among components for the RFP would include preparing the preliminary feasibility study report, proposal of jetty locations, specifications of vessels, financial model and duration of implementation," he added.
Companies interested to participate may visit ep.penang.gov.my to purchase the relevant documents online.
