Penang ferry service trial run begins

KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic Penang ferry has started its trial run under the new management of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) yesterday, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He hoped it would improve the ferry service in the state.

“We give our ultimate support to Prasarana and we believe they will do well as they have the management capacity and vast experience in managing public transport,” said Liow when launching an ancient classical novel, ‘Dream of Red Chambers’ at the Universiti Malaya yesterday.

The novel is a collection of 6,000 books.

On the duration of the ferry’s trial run, Liow said it had yet to be determined, adding the final details of the contract would be discussed after everything was set.

“It will be a great change and we believe, (that) will benefit Penangites,” he said.

The ferry services from Butterworth to Penang have been operating since 1894, making it the first and oldest passenger ferry in the country.

On another matter, Liow gave an assurance the standard operating procedures at the nation’s ports were good.

“Our ports are among the world’s best in terms of efficiency. In the case of the (military) radar (equipment) which went missing, the cargo was not actually missing but had arrived at its destination.”

Previously, it was reported the radar equipment had gone missing while being held in a Johor port but in reality, it had reached the Netherlands.

Customs Director-General Datuk Indera Subromaniam Tholasy rubbished reports that the container ferrying the radar equipment had gone missing at the Tanjung Pelepas Port in Johor.

Meanwhile, Liow said the transport ministry was currently working closely with China to strengthen its operations under the Belt and Road Programme.

“China has the best ports and now we are port alliance with them. We are improving from time to time,” he added. - Bernama