Penang’s Iconic Ferries To Be Replaced After 126 Years With Speedboats on 1 Jan 2021

It’s time to bid goodbye to the old ferries of Penang and say hello to the new speed boat!

The iconic and oldest mode of transportation in Penang, the ferry, that has been the alternative route from Seberang Perai to Penang island and vice versa, will stop operating after 126 years in service.

The existing penang ferry will only carry two-wheeled vehicles.

The iconic ferry service will be replaced with speedboats starting January 1, 2021.

According to Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman, Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the new speedboat will be used to carry pedestrians only.

Meanwhile, the existing ferry will only carry two-wheeled vehicles, which are motorcycles and bicycles.

All four-wheeled vehicles will have to use the Penang Bridge service to commute from the mainland to the island because the ferry service for four-wheeled vehicles will be stopped eventually.

Teik Cheng also said that the improvements would be implemented interim from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, before the catamaran service or water taxi and ‘vehicle transporter’ is introduced after that date, as reported by Astro Awani.

During the interim period, both the terminals of Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim will be renovated and upgraded for passengers’ comfort. The operating hours of the ferry will also change.

Teik Cheng also said he would assure that the ferry service will not be disrupted, and the fare will also remain throughout the interim period.

“We will check time and fare, so the public doesn’t have to worry. Give the services your support for the first time to make changes to the ferry service in Penang, because the government also encourages people to use public transport,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Besides that, to maintain the historical value and iconic elements of Penang, Teik Cheng said, SPPP will modify the two existing ferries as a floating restaurant and a floating museum that will be available in Tanjung City Marina.

Also Read: Public Transportation Now to Operate From 6 am-10 am and 5 pm-10 pm, E-Hailing Services Excluded.