PENANG, 10 June 2009: The Penang government will submit an official application to take over the operations of the mainland-island ferry service from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.
He said a letter would be sent tomorrow to the Penang Port Commission (PPC) which supervises the Penang port.
“Today’s meeting of the state executive council unanimously agreed that the state government take over the operation of the ferry service,” he told reporters.
He said that if the application was approved, the state government would establish the Penang Heritage Ferry Board to operate the service.
“Prior to the approval of the enactment to set up the board, the ferry service will be operated by the Penang Island Municipal Council,” he said.
Yesterday, PPC chairperson Tan Cheng Liang said any application to take over the ferry service had to be sent to the commission before it was submitted to the federal government.
Tan said the PPC only served as the licensor and any decision or change in the ferry service operator would be determined by the federal government.
Last week, the PPSB stated its intention to hand over the operation of the ferry service to the federal government as it could not shoulder the losses accumulated over the last 10 years.
The PPSB reportedly incurred a loss of RM21 million last year. — Bernama
Alibaba says
Kick out all the sampah sarap who have eaten all the profits, appoint a competent team, kick out all the cronies and award maintenance on merit, kick out BN, turn a profit.
chrisyong says
Why should the Federal Government be involved in the ferry service which the state can handle? Money making idea for Umno/BN? The loss must be money being siphoned somewhere into someone’s pocket. PR take over, investigate the accounts and meantime improve service and revamp the people and system to boost tourism and facilitate people’s dire needs for a better transport system. Grow and develop like HK. You can do it LGE! Bless your work, hands, heart and soul to serve!
Hafidz Baharom says
I’m a bit shocked by the fact that the ferry service is being handled and determined by the federal government instead of the state.
However, I’m also wondering if Penang has the budget to cover a loss of RM21 million or more.
Otherwise, I wonder how the state government suggests to handle the cost other than ask for a handout of funds from the federal government to manage it.