Request for proposal for Penang water taxi service cancelled

 Company issued the letter of intent failed to secure the necessary approvals from the transport ministry.

In 2021, MBPP identified four suitable jetties that could be used as pick-up and drop-off points for the water taxi service after a preliminary study. (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

 The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has agreed to cancel its request for proposal for the proposed water taxi service as the company involved has failed to secure  approvals from the transport ministry.

State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said MBPP’s procurement board issued the cancellation letter on April 17 following the firm’s failure to comply with the letter of intent for the project.

“At present, the state government is in discussions with the ministry to review the terms and feasibility of this project in greater detail.

“If the RFP is reopened in the future, the state government hopes that interested companies will be truly prepared and capable of fulfilling all the required conditions,” he said in a written reply to Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) regarding the proposed water taxi service.

Zairil said two companies had submitted proposals and several presentations were held before the RFP technical evaluation committee. MBPP then issued the letter of intent to the selected company.

However, the company needed to obtain further approvals from various agencies like the marine department, Penang Port Commission, and district and land office, among others, before a letter of acceptance could be issued.

In 2021, MBPP had conducted a preliminary study and identified suitable jetty locations that could be used as pick-up and drop-off points, with four locations proposed for the water taxi service. - FMT