GEORGE TOWN: The iconic ferry service of Penang remains under a cloud with mixed messages from two ministries and the state government now wants firm answers from the port regulators over the future of cross-channel services involving four-wheeled vehicles.
State Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state took the finance minister’s recent remarks that the “ferry services would be maintained” as meaning the status quo — where cars, motorcycles and pedestrians are transported – -will be retained.
Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz had told Dewan Rakyat recently that Penang’s “iconic ferry services” would continue as usual. However, the transport ministry has been silent on the matter and it is believed that its plans to scrap the exisitng service are going on as planned.
Port regulator Penang Port Commission (PPC) has said new “water buses” designed to carry only passengers and special lighters carrying motorcycles would replace the current ferry service in mid-2022.
However, cars will be barred from using the ferries from Jan 1, with one old ferry being used only for motorcycles.
In a statement, Zairil said ferry regulars are worried, as motorcycles would be forced to brave the bridge, which was a major risk with crosswinds and the high volume of cars there.
“Besides that, at peak hours, the volume of cars on the bridge increases and cause hardships and a safety risk to motorcyclists,” he said.
Zairil said that despite Tengku Zafrul’s announcement to “retain the service”, there has been no nod from the transport ministry and the PPC.
“The question is, will the vehicular ferry service continue or not? We urge the transport ministry to fulfil the promise by Tengku Zafrul and fulfil the wishes of Penangites who want the current ferry service to continue.”
FMT has contacted PPC for comment.