GOOD news for passengers and motorcyclists in Penang as four new ferries (catamarans) will begin their service from Aug 7 this year.
Passengers will get to enjoy a month-long free ferry ride from Aug 7.
Announcing the good news was Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who boarded the Teluk Bahang ferry, one of the four units that arrived from the Haiphong shipyard in Vietnam to the Butterworth Wharf on Wednesday.
Loke was accompanied by caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The other three units are Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Duyung and Teluk Kampi, with each costing RM18 million.
A total of RM72 million had been spent to purchase all four units.
It was initially reported by an English daily that Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) has spent RM100 million on the new ferries and terminal upgrades.
Loke told a press conference earlier that today’s trip onboard the ferry was part of a trial conducted by PPSB.
“For the next four weeks, many pilot-based activities will take place on all four ferries before they are officially open to the public on Aug 7.
The ferries will ply between the upgraded Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island and Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim’s new terminal on the mainland.
“Each ferry can transport about 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles at any time.
“The ferry services will start as early as 6am and will end at 8.30pm.
“During peak period, the ferry frequency is every 30 minutes.
“Each ferry ride will only take about 10 minutes,” Loke said.
The new ferry units have several unique and state-of-the-art features such as being able to rotate 360 degrees, having an air-conditioned coach, dual entry and exit points for easy access, a toilet for people with disabilities and others.
“There are also safety features installed, namely closed circuit televisions (CCTVs), which will enable the captain to monitor the situation inside the ferry.
“Each ferry will also have fire extinguishers installed in the event a fire break out,” Loke added.
Loke said PPSB would be working on reasonable fares to ensure it doesn’t burden the users.
Also present earlier were State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, caretaker state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, caretaker state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, caretaker state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi