Free Ferry Services In Penang For Thaipusam On Jan 31, Feb 1

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) will provide free ferry services for Malaysians on Jan 31 and Feb 1, in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.

SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fare applies to two-way travel between Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal (PSAH) in Butterworth and Raja Tun Uda Terminal (PRTU) on the island, with services extended until 3 am on Feb 2.

Ferry operations will run from 12 am (midnight) on Jan 31 to 11.30 pm on Feb 1, and from midnight to 3 am on Feb 2.

“The public is encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, and check the latest ferry schedules on the official SPPP and PPSB websites or social media platforms,” he said in a statement today.

Yeoh said this initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of SPPP and PPSB to facilitate travel for Malaysians, especially during festive seasons.

He added that the free service aims to reduce traffic congestion in Penang and to promote the use of sustainable, efficient public transport.

Yeoh noted that during last year's Thaipusam celebration, the ferry service recorded 25,670 foot passengers and 7,993 two-wheeled vehicles, over a three-day period from Feb 10 to 12.

These figures contributed to last year's total of 3.13 million foot passengers and 784,065 two-wheeled vehicles.

“Through this free ferry service, users will enjoy one-way savings of RM2 for foot passengers and RM2.50 for two-wheeled vehicles,” he said.

In addition to the Thaipusam initiative, and to mark SPPP’s 70th anniversary this year, Yeoh announced that SPPP is sponsoring the ‘Kids Go Free | Thaipusam Special’ campaign at the Penang Ferry Museum.

The programme offers free entry to the museum for Malaysian children aged 12 and below, from Jan 31 to Feb 2.

-- BERNAMA