THE project to upgrade the two ferry terminals in Penang will be completed in August and will include facilities to cater to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Penang Port Commission chairman Tan Teik Cheng said upgrading works at the Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth and Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town, were more than 60% complete.

“Both terminals, occupying an estimated area of 400 sq m (per terminal), are expected to be fully completed by August. The project is currently progressing ahead of schedule.

“Overall, I am satisfied with the upgrading process where more than 60% has been achieved and we estimate that each terminal will be able to accommodate 300 people at a time and will be operational before National Day,” he told reporters after working visits to both terminals today.

Tan said when completed, both terminals will be equipped with modern facilities, including a universal design to meet the needs of PWDs using the ferry services.

He said next year, five new ferries, worth RM30 million, would be used at the two terminals to facilitate foot as well as motorcycle and bicycle travel to and from the mainland to the island and vice versa.

“Based on forecast, in 2023, there will be a total of 1,643,919 passengers using the ferry services and it will increase to 1,685,430 people by 2028,” he also said.

He added that bicycles and motorcycles would record usage of between 680,000 and 711,000 units next year and in 2028, the total handling of the two-wheelers is expected to remain the same. – Bernama, March 26, 2022.