DEPUTY Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy has suggested a solar-powered ferry service for Penang in view of the high cost of running the current ferry system.
He said the ferry service is iconic to Penang but needs a revamp.
“I understand the Penang Port Commission (PPC) is having financial problem, spending about RM22 million per year,” said Dr Ramasamy at the launch of the Ukraine consulate at Jalan Green Hall in George Town where PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng was also one of the distinguished guests present.
“I’ve seen a video clipping of ferries in Kerala (India) using solar power. And I think Penang ferries need a revamp.
“Datuk Tan himself is a Penangite and I think he will agree that Penang ferries are iconic to Penang.
“I don’t see Penang without a ferry system.”
It had been reported recently that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, through RapidFerry Sdn Bhd, would end its term of running the Penang ferry service by the end of this month and hand back the ferry services to PPC.
Tan said PPC would first need to wait till the process of handing over the ferry service back to Penang Port Sdn Bhd is fully done.
“For the use of solar vessel or passenger craft we have no objection and everything is possible.
“We welcome the proposal on this to help improve the efficiency for the good sake of Penangites,” said Tan.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Christopher Tan