GEORGE TOWN: Ferry services between the island and mainland in Penang will be free during the upcoming Thaipusam celebrations on Feb 1 to ease congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free service would operate from Jan 31 to Feb 1, with extended hours until 3am on Feb 2.
“The free ferry service will operate from both the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim and Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda terminals to facilitate the movement of devotees and the public during the Thaipusam period,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 21).
Yeoh said the joint initiative with Penang Port Sdn Bhd was part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Penang during major festive periods while easing the financial burden on commuters.
He said foot passengers would enjoy savings of RM2 per one-way trip, while users of two-wheeled vehicles would save RM2.50 per trip.
Highlighting last year’s (2025) usage, Yeoh said ferry services recorded strong demand during Thaipusam festive period, with a total of 25,670 foot passengers and 7,993 two-wheeled vehicles using the service over three days.
He said last year on Feb 10 some 8,564 foot passengers and 2,866 two-wheeled vehicles were recorded, followed by 9,987 foot passengers and 2,482 two-wheeled vehicles on Feb 11.
On Feb 12, the ferry carried 7,119 foot passengers and 2,645 two-wheeled vehicles, he added.
“These figures show the important role ferry services play during major religious festivals, particularly in supporting the movement of large numbers of people across the channel,” Yeoh said.
He said the free ferry service is expected to further encourage the public to opt for public transport and contribute to smoother traffic flow across the state.
