Service disruption: Riders and passengers on a ferry from Butterworth to Penang island. Ferry services for motorcyclists will be stopped at the Raja Tun Uda and Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminals from Jan 1 to July 31 next year to upgrade berthing facilities. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: Motorcyclists will not be able to use ferry services from Jan 1 to July 31 next year to make way for upgrading works at the Sultan Abdul Halim and Raja Tun Uda ferry terminals, says the Penang Port Commission (PPC).
Its chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the upgrading works would take at least seven months and ferry services would be available from Aug 1, 2023.
“The upgrading process will commence from Jan 1, 2023, until July 31, 2023, and will involve the replacement of old ramps and the installation of floating pontoons in order to fit in with the specification of new ferries.
“During the period when the upgrading works are being carried out, the ferry services for motorcyclists have to be stopped.
“Ferry services from the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal on the mainland and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) on the island for pedestrian passengers will continue as usual,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Earlier, Tan was accompanied by state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) chairman Datuk Syed Mohd Aidid Syed Murtaza and chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan on a walkabout to oversee the ferry transition phase at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth.
Tan said 200 free sheltered parking slots for motorcycles would be provided at the Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth and SPCT in George Town.
“The works that will be carried out will involve piling work at the seabed to ensure the floating pontoon is secure, which would take some time as it is risky.
“When the work is completed and new ferries are introduced, Penangites will be able to enjoy modern, comfortable, fast and efficient ferry services,” he added.
Zairil said to make up for the absence of ferry services for motorcyclists next year, the state government with Rapid Penang will launch a new CAT Bridge bus service starting Jan 1.
“The bus service will start from Bukit Mertajam Summit Plaza through Bandar Perda to Penang island onwards.
“Free parking lots will be provided at the Park ’N Ride in Bandar Perda too.
“The current free CAT Bridge bus from Seberang Jaya will continue as usual.
“These bus services are provided free for commuters and motorcyclists for their journey between the mainland and island,” he said.
Sasedharan said PPSB hoped to provide more efficient ferry terminals in the future.
He said before starting the upgrading works, PPSB worked closely with PPC and the state government to provide a comfortable terminal which is suitable for the disabled and old folks.
The phase one upgrade works at both terminals are currently ongoing and cost about RM11mil while the phase two will cost about RM19mil.
