CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow launched the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) upgrading project today, describing it as “happy news for the tourism sector in Penang.”
He also said when the RM155 million project (first phase) is completed between 24 and 36 months, the heritage value of the Unesco World Heritage Site in George Town would be increased.
“This project is yet another achievement for the cruise industry. I would like to thank the Federal Government for its commitment to the project which would not only have a great impact on Penang but also the country,” Chow said in his speech at the SPCT upgrading project ceremony at the pier today.
“The state government has always been working very closely with the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to promote cruise tourism in the state.
“The support by the state government in the cruise industry is evident through its approval on the alienation of land for SPCT to PPC for 30 years.”
The upgrading project encompasses the extension of the existing wharf to the north by 220 metres. This extension enables two of the world’s largest Oasis-Class ships to berth at any one time. At present, only one Oasis-Class ship, which can accommodate about 6,700 guests in total, can berth at SPCT.
This upgrading project will also involve the restructuring of the current terminal to increase the efficiency of passenger handling, the redevelopment of old godowns for commercial activities and ground transport area (GTA).
Once completed, SPCT is able to accommodate 12,000 passengers as compared to 8,000 passengers currently.
Chow said the spillover effects of the upgrading project would enhance the state’s economy which is one of the aims of Penang2030 vision.
He said services sector like bunkering, ship maintenance, supply, security and support services to ship crew would be generated while job opportunities involving tour bus operators, taxi, trishaw and local tourism products would be increased.
Chow also expressed hopes that after the upgrading project, SPCT would become a hub as well as a homeport to leading international cruise companies.
He added that he was informed by PPC that they have development plans for the surrounding areas until Tanjung City Marina.
“The state gives full support to the plan to uplift the economy. It will also allow the public and SPCT users access at the eastern seafront through a walkway that would be built. All this development will be ready by 2025, and I believe, it will give it a new breath of life to the whole waterfront.”
“The state government is also committed to developing the northern seafront through the rebuilding of the Esplanade seawall and Fort Cornwallis conservation.”
Chow said a “Penang Bay Ideas Competition” would be held to seek ideas on how to connect the Penang island side and the Butterworth side.
“This idea is mooted to continue developing both sides of the northern channel of Penang. The Penang Bay is a concept developed by George Town Conservation and Development Corporation comprising Think City and the state government.
“It is to find the synergy between the bay areas comprising the Penang island side and the Butterworth side. Our focus is for the island to become the cultural hub and for Butterworth to be the innovation hub.”
Chow said the state would send a delegation, to be led by state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, to introduce the Penang Bay at the World Urban Forum 10 in Abu Dhabi next week.
“We will present the idea at the world platform to attract some interest whether they would like to invest in it.
“We will follow up with an idea competition. Its component may not necessary be undertaken by the state government, it can be undertaken by the Federal Government agencies, private sector or even international investors,” Chow explained.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak, PPC chairman Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam, PPC general manager Monaliza Suhaimi, PPSB chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza and MMC Group managing director Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh.
Lim, who had announced the redevelopment of the SPCT over four phases at RM500 million last month, said SPCT could accommodate 1.7 million passengers a year after the project was completed.
He said two duty free shops would be operating at the pier this year, namely Langkawi Duty Free and DFZ Emporium Sdn Bhd, through open tender.
“These are very exciting times for SPCT despite the challenges in the world today. This project is very important for the economy of Penang. It will benefit not only Penang people but also Malaysia, especially for the northern states like Perlis, Kedah and Perak,” Lim said.
Loke, in his speech, said he looked forward to the first phase project to be completed within a year instead of between 24 and 36 months.
“When this project is completed, it will transform the whole waterfront and the landscape of Penang will be changed. Penang will be flooded with tourists,” Loke said.
Chew said SPCT was the number one cruise hub in Malaysia last year, attracting 198 vessels in 2019 compared to 185 in 2018 – an increase of 7%.
As for passengers arrival, he said SPCT recorded 27.1% increase with 449,885 passengers in 2019 compared to 354,047 in 2018.
He also said the old godown at the SPCT would be transformed into a commercial area not just for tourists but also for the locals.
For this, Solaris Consortium Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Ideal Property Group, has been appointed to refurbish and manage PPC Godown 5, 7 and 8 for a lease of 30 years.
Its executive chairman Tan Sri Alex Ooi and executive director Puan Sri Joanne Phor were present to receive the letter of godown handover from PPC’s Monaliza in the presence of the Chow, Lim and Loke. Also present were Ideal Property Group general manager Connie Ang and chief operating officer Datuk Ng Tyan Ping.
Ooi said the refurbishment project, known as Swettenham Quay, would convert the area into a seafront tourist attraction at a development cost of RM98 million.
“It will comprise F&B outlets and retail shop lots for local products along the promenade, offering a compelling shopping experience for tourists as well as a great leisure destination for locals,” Ooi said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting