GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) will ensure the welfare of all traders at Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal is protected after the transfer of ferry operations to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
SPPP chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng (pix) said SPPP had met all the traders affected by the relocation of ferry operations for pedestrians and guarantees had been given to them.
“I have assured them (traders) that we are planning to temporarily transfer them to SPCT so that they can continue their business.
“We need about two weeks for the renovation process at SPCT before they are allowed to do business there,“ he told reporters after conducting a survey of the first day of the Penang fast boat operation here, today.
He said SPPP also intended to provide free rent for a while to those who would move from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal to SPCT.
So far, Tan said almost 10 stalls at the Tun Uda Ferry Terminal would be affected by the transfer of ferry operations for pedestrians to SPCT.
Previously, traders at the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal had expressed concern about the future of their business after ferry operations for pedestrians had moved to SPCT which is about 1 kilometre from where they now trade.
Meanwhile, Tan said the fast boat operation which started operating at 6.30 this morning had run smoothly.
He said the two fast boats operating to carry the pedestrian passengers were expected to be able to reach 10,000 people until 11pm later.
“The maximum capacity of a fast boat is 200 passengers and we provide one boat every 30 minutes,“ he said.
Starting today, the fast boat services would be used to carry pedestrian passengers to replace the iconic ferry, which already been operating for 126 years.
The existing ferry would only be used for cyclists and motorcyclists until July 2022, while the ferry service for cars was terminated from today. — Bernama
