The Malaysian Insight

COMMUTERS are disappointed that Penang’s ferry services is still below par despite its operations being taken over by Prasarana Bhd and having received an injection of funds amounting to RM90 million.

With no increase in ferry frequency, the terminal remains congested at peak hours.

Additionally, they said the infrastructure in the terminal has yet to be upgraded.

There are about three ferries catering to about 3,000 passengers, traveling between the Weld Quay in Georgetown and the Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth daily.

According to passengers, the government should have improved the ferry services by now since it has been a year since the announcement on the funds were made. A better ferry service will also reduce traffic on the Penang Bridge.

“They are disappointed when the ferry is behind schedule and this leads to an increase of passengers waiting to board the ferry,” bank officer Jamilah Ariffin told The Malaysian Insight recently.

Jamilah, who is a frequent user of the Penang ferry services, said the congestion is the worst on Mondays and the last working day of the week.

“The ferry services should be improved especially during peak hours. Ironically, there are delays during peak hours,” said Jamiliah, who has been using for the past 10 years.

She said the ferry services were delayed several times this year, sometimes by more than 30 minutes.

Hotel worker Sara Nadarajan said the frequency should be increased between 6am and 10am and 4pm and 7pm to cater to the peak hour crowd.

“Add more ferries during peak hours. If they want to reduce the number of ferries after peak hours it is fine,” said Sara, who has been using the service for the last six years.

Commuters have also been using the Second Penang Bridge, which connects Batu Maung and Batu Kawan as an alternative to the Penang Bridge and ferry services. 

Nevertheless, the ferry seems to be the main option for those working across the Strait of Malacca, as it only takes 20 minutes to get to the other side.

Sara said she uses the ferry to avoid the traffic jam on the Penang Bridge. However, she has to brave the long waiting hours and queues due to the ferry frequency.

Muhammad Azam Md Eusoff, a motorist, said he did not see any improvement or initiative to upgrade the service.

He said motorists are affected the most as the shed at the waiting area is small.

“We have to sometimes wait for an hour, if there is a delay. Motorists have to wait in queue.

“Rain or shine we will still have to brave the weather because the shed is not wide enough to shield us,” he said.

He said ferry frequency has to be increased, especially during peak hours.

Prasarana, through its subsidiary Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd took over the running of the ferries from the Penang Port Commission.

The ferry service was previously managed by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in August last year, that RM90 million has been allocated for upgrading the services and purchasing new ferries.

About RM21million of the RM90million was earmarked for 2018 and 2019. – August 11, 2019.