GEORGE TOWN: Free ferry rides will be offered to Malaysians crossing the Penang channel on Sunday (Nov 8) for Deepavali.
The initiative, jointly organised by the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), aims improve travel convenience and encourage the use of public transport.
PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the offer was open to all Malaysian citizens boarding at either Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth or Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town.
"The free ferry service will operate according to the latest timetable.
"Passengers are advised to plan their journeys ahead and check the official websites and social media channels of PPC and PPSB for the latest schedule," he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 5).
Yeoh said the initiative reflected both organisations' commitment to facilitating public travel during festive seasons while helping to ease traffic congestion in Penang.
During last year's Deepavali celebration, the ferry service carried 7,780 foot passengers and 1,518 two-wheeled vehicles in both directions.
He added that passenger numbers increased by 5.61% from January to September this year compared with the corresponding period last year.
