New govt, new approach to Penang ferry service, says Guan Eng

 

Lim Guan Eng says he raised the issue of the ferry service, which was abolished in 2020, on two occasions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed hope that the Penang Port Commission (PPC) will readily implement any decision made by the federal government pertaining to the state’s iconic ferries.

The DAP chairman said he had raised the issue of the ferry service, which was abolished in 2020, on two occasions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim since last month, Bernama reported.

“We had constructive conversations on the issue. I voiced my hope that the PPC would be ready to implement any decision taken by the unity government.

“I hope they (PPC) understand that the government has changed, and that the approach and priority regarding the old ferry issue have also changed,” he said, reminding those in charge at the commission that DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook was now the transport minister.

However, the Bagan MP did not elaborate on whether the iconic ferry service will be making a return under the unity government.

A ferry service has linked Penang island with Butterworth in the mainland for over 126 years. In 2020, the use of the iconic double-decker vehicular cum passenger ferries was stopped after five decades and replaced with a speedboat ferry service for passengers.

The older ferries are currently being used for bicycles and motorcycles. - FMT