Federal Govt looking at reintroducing Penang ferry services for vehicles

GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government is considering reintroducing ferry services for vehicles but first it will look at how it can overcome operational challenges.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it would not be viable to bring back the service immediately as the current ferry terminal had been renovated and refurbished to cater to the new ferries.

"In term of bringing back that service, it cannot be done immediately as we have to look at how to overcome the operational challenges," he said.

He said since the current ferry terminals have been renovated to cater to the new ferries, it would not be able to serve cars as it can only serve pedestrians and motorcycles.

Loke said in terms of the iconic ferry terminal, the federal government had plans to bring it back, but the shape and form would have to be further discussed with the stakeholders.

He said there were requests to bring back the old ferries that carry vehicles but all of the plans must be discussed before a decision can be made.

He said talks are on going with Penang Port Commission to reintroduce the old ferry service for tourism, transport or as a floating museum but no decision has been made yet.

The old double-decker ferries, which could load both passengers and vehicles, were retired in 2021 due to the high maintenance cost.

Fast boats, like the ones used in Langkawi have replaced the old ferries to ferry passengers across the channel.

On new ferries, Loke said the new ferry services will be available on 1st August 2023.

He said four new ferries had been bought by PPC and is almost ready.

"These new ferries will be ready and operational on 1 August 2023," he said.

Earlier he visited Penang International Airport on his work visit to the state.

He also expected to visit the ferry terminal in the island and mainland, the railway station before going back to Kuala Lumpur using KTM commuter.