Invited Guest,*Hock Seng: Ferry Pulau Pinang
Over the past few years, whenever there were chances to debate on the Penang ferry issues , I would not give up to urge the government to introduce speed boat services between Penang and Butterworth. Transport Minister had promised to study this matter and it was the then deputy minister Datuk Donald Lim who went to Penang some times ago and announced that speed boat services will be introduced. We were waiting for the day but out of a sudden , managing director of Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. Ahmad Ibni Hazar announced last week that the project will not be materialised.
MP Tanjung and I seized the first opportunity during the debate on Budget committee stage for Transport Ministry to query as who is authoritative in make decision,the Ministry or the port officer. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dougles answered that the government will buy 4 vessels of speed boats for the port in the 9th. Malaysia plan.
We were of the opinion that the 6 double deck ferrys should be fully utilised to carry vehicles and the speed boats be used to carry passengers only. Speed boat services will be time saving and more comfortable.
* Lim Hock Seng is the MP for Bagan. This is his 4th term as a Member of Parliment.
YB LIM HOCK SENG, suggest study tour to sabah and see how the ferry services to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Good income for boat owners.
Comment by humanly — November 24, 2005 @ 8:56 pm
YB,
While it is nice to have speed boat services to transport passengers and ferry services for the vehicles one may wonder if the service providers could actually time it simultaneously whereby the passenger could hop into his or her vehicle after alighting from the speed boat. General rule of thumb will have it that the boat reaches shore faster than the ferry. I believe he or she may have to wait a while before the ferry arrives and this may give rise to discomfort after a very short comfortable ride on the boat.
The transport ministry could suggest ideas but it would only be fair for the respective managements to weigh and consider if they are fool proof and commercially viable or sensible.
It is also food for thought if the government proceeds ahead with the second link to Penang. What then for the service provider(s) after investing into these boats.
ch
Comment by ch — November 28, 2005 @ 1:58 pm