PUTRAJAYA plans to bring back the iconic double-decker vehicular cum passenger ferries which was terminated in 2020, according to Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said for now he could not immediately say in what shape or form the iconic ferry would be used.

“Yes, there are plans to bring back the iconic ferry but we can’t decide on its usage for now, whether for tourism purposes, as a museum or Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferry. This will be discussed further with the Penang Port authority.

“I understand there are calls by various quarters to restore the ferry back to its former usage as a vehicular cum passenger ferry.

“But we have purchased four new ferries for passengers and motorcycles which will be in use on August 1,” he told a press conference in Penang today.

Loke said he could not cancel the orders as it will be highly irresponsible on his part to do so.

The transport minister noted that bringing back the ferry would mean reappraising operations and the challenges it posed.

“This is because the ferry terminals, both on the island and mainland, have been refurbished to cater to the new ferries.

“So, even if we want to bring back the iconic ferry, it can’t be done immediately. We may need to build new terminals or even make changes to the existing ones,” he said.

A ferry service has linked Penang island with Butterworth on the mainland for over 126 years.

The iconic double decker ferry service was stopped in 2020, and replaced with a speedboat ferry service for passengers.

However, an older ferry is currently being used for bicycles and motorcycles. – March 1, 2023.