The Malaysian Insight

WATER taxi services between Butterworth and George Town will be available in two years, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today. 

Loke said the matter was being discussed by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the Finance Ministry and his ministry.

The proposal for water taxi services came about after it was found that Prasarana had not used a RM90 million allocation for the current ferry system due to certain issues being ironed out with the ferry operator, he said.

“The RM90 million has not been used. There are several issues that needs to be settled with the operator first,” Loke said in Penang today, referring to the fund he announced in August last year aimed at improving the ferry service.

“Prasarana will continue to improve the ferry service, and one proposal is to introduce water taxis or catamaran boats. It can’t be this year but the final outcome will be known in one or two years’ time.”

Complaints have consistently surfaced on the current ferry system between Butterworth and George Town, but the authorities have said it will be retained due to its heritage value.

Last year, Prasarana, through its subsidiary Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd, took over the ferry operations from the Penang Port Commission. 

Loke said the ferry also had sentimental value for Penangites.

“It will remain; we want it to be a tourist ferry. We could add another ferry or two to transport vehicles.

“The water taxis will be for passengers moving between Seberang Perai and George Town,” Loke added. – August 23, 2019.