Iconic Penang ferry

Thursday, May 17 2012

AT ONE TIME the main mode of transportation between Penang Island and the mainland, the Penang ferry is one of the most recognisable attractions of the state. Moving vehicles and pedestrians between Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda terminal in George Town and Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth, it made its maiden voyage in 1920 and is the oldest ferry service in Malaysia.

These open-deck ferries are still well-preserved and retain many of its old charms, including the seats on the pedestrian deck, its large open windows, steep staircases, etc. View slideshow below.

When Penang Ports Sdn Bhd (PPSB), operator of the ferry services recently called off its planned public listing due to a RM21mil loss incurred last year (read here), many feared it would not bode well for the iconic service. While the federal government was requested by PPSB to take over operations, the Penang state government moved forward with its own recommendation to oversee the ferry services (read here).

The state's decision was quite well received from most quarters as certainly, it would be a huge boost to Penang if one of its star attractions were to get back its shine. Apart from its heritage value, it could help solve the state’s ongoing transport woes by encouraging more pedestrians (as part of an improved public transport system) and not more cars to move between the mainland and the island.

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