A view of the new ferry at the terminal in Butterworth next to Penang Sentral.
AT BOTH the ferry terminals in Penang, traders are looking forward to better days ahead following the massive makeover of passenger waiting areas.
Nurul Asilah Mansor, 34, who is the third-generation manning her family business, was among those who kick-started her business at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island.
“My grandfather started a business selling preserved fruits and clothes at the terminal before I took over in 2011.
“We were doing well until 2021 when ferry operations were relocated to the nearby Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
Nurul asilah setting up her stall at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island.
“I moved out to sell my products elsewhere and only came back after the old terminal was upgraded.
“I am paying the same rental even though now I’ve downsized from a shoplot to a kiosk selling snacks.
“But it is so much cleaner and more comfortable in this new place,” said Nurul Asilah.
Store operator Muhd Naim Mohd Adil, 20, whose shop is in the refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal on the mainland, said he started his business in May before the arrival of the new ferries.
“It was hard to make ends meet with fewer than 100 customers daily.
“With more people taking the new ferries, I expect an increase in demand for my snacks and drinks.
Muhd Naim manning his stall at the refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth.
“So far, the bulk of my business comes during the weekends when we have more tourists coming in.
“Now that lots of people are taking the ferry to work, I’m certain of better days,” he added.
However, those still holding onto their lots outside the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island said they were hoping that their block of shoplots would receive similar upgrades.
“My father started this business 40 years ago and this was a bustling spot,” said a trader who only wanted to be known as Chew, 50.
“Since ferry operations shifted to SPCT in 2021 and the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I lost more than 90% of business but stayed on to earn what’s left from bus passengers nearby.
“We were given a 25% discount from the RM800 monthly rental during the period but still operated at a loss.
“I am hoping that the management will fix up this old section, as passengers will still pass by when boarding the ferry at the new terminal.
“The roof is leaking and the place is old and dirty,” said Chew, who was accompanied by her mother at their corner-lot unit.
Checks found that only five out of the over dozen units were still in operation along the old block at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal.
Both upgraded terminals on the island and mainland are equipped with air-conditioning, free WiFi facilities, closed-circuit television cameras, disabled-friendly lifts, as well as retail and food outlets.
The ferries operate from 6.30am to 9.30pm daily, and rides will be free for a month until Sept 6.
Three ferries will be operating every day with one on stand-by.
The ferries are named Teluk Bahang, Teluk Duyung, Teluk Kampi, and Teluk Kumbar.
Each vessel can accommodate 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles and bicycles (only two-wheelers) in a one-way trip of 10 minutes, half the time taken by the old ferries.
All the old Penang ferries were retired, with the last one decommissioned in December 2022. Nurul Asilah setting up her stall at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island. (Right) Muhd Naim manning his stall at the refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth. (Bottom) A view of the new ferry at the terminal in Butterworth next to Penang Sentral. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
