GEORGE TOWN, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- There are no plans to bring back the iconic Penang ferry for passenger services, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed.
He explained that operating the old ferry servirce is technically challenging due to difficulties in sourcing replacement parts and the incompatibility of the new ferry terminals.
“When the previous decision (was made) to change to the new ferry, the terminal has changed as well, so the current terminal is not suitable for the iconic ferry because the operation is totally different.
“So in order for us to revive the old iconic ferry services, we need to build another terminal, which is not possible at this point of time,” he told reporters after the inauguration of the Penang Floating Ferry Museum here, today.
One of the iconic ferries has been converted into a museum for heritage preservation, while another is being turned into a floating restaurant and both are intended to remain tourism products rather than return to normal passenger service.
Loke also noted that the current passenger ferry service operates four ferries, which can be increased to the contractual maximum of five if demand rises.
On profitability, Loke clarified that the Penang ferry service is not intended to generate profits, as fares are regulated by the government.
He stressed that ferry operations are part of a cross-subsidy model under the Penang Port privatisation plan, which also mandates public service obligations, including 12 days of free ferry service annually during public holidays and festive periods.
The minister also spoke about plans to redevelop Tanjung City Marina and surrounding areas, including Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) and Padang Kota Lama, into a public-friendly waterfront which will be executed through a private finance initiative (PFI).
He said the aim is to create a pedestrian walkway of over one-kilometre in length, and the public can enjoy sea views, with cafes and tourism amenities, turning Penang into a cruise tourism hub.
“This is a plan we are reviewing right now, and hopefully within this year we can approve the entire plan, because right now there are pockets of different tenders going on,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
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