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Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Free ferry services in Penang for Wesak day
Ferry services between Butterworth and George Town will be free of charge on Wesak Day (May 12). (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : Ferry services across the Penang channel will be free of charge on Wesak Day (May 12), the Penang Port Commission announced. PPC chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the free services will be for both directions, from Butterworth to George Town and vice versa, and will run from 6.30am to 11.30pm. He said the free ferry service is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang island, but also at encouraging the use of more sustainable and efficient public transport. He said the ferry service on Wesak Day last year recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Free ferry ride on Wesak Day in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced free ferry services for all Malaysians in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration on May 12. SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fares involve both directions from Sultan Abdul Halim Pier (PSAH) on the mainland (Butterworth) to Raja Tun Uda Pier (PRTU) on the island and vice-versa. He said the free fare covers both directions between the two terminals. "The first trip from PSAH starts at 6.30 am and the last trip is at 11 pm to the island, while from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda, the first trip begins at 7 am and the last trip is at 11.30 pm to the mainland. "The public is advised to plan their journey in advance and refer to the latest ferry schedule through the official websites and social media pages of SPPP and PPSB," he said in a statement tonight. Yeoh explained that the free ferry service is not only aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang but also at encouraging more sustainable and efficient public transportation. Meanwhile, Yeoh shared statistics from last year's Wesak Day ferry service , which recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service. He added that this contributed to the total number of foot passengers in 2024, which reached 2.13 million, along with 747,785 two-wheeled vehicle passengers. — BERNAMA
The Sun
09-05-2025
- The Sun
Free ferry ride on Wesak Day in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced free ferry services for all Malaysians in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration on May 12. SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fares involve both directions from Sultan Abdul Halim Pier (PSAH) on the mainland (Butterworth) to Raja Tun Uda Pier (PRTU) on the island and vice-versa. He said the free fare covers both directions between the two terminals. 'The first trip from PSAH starts at 6.30 am and the last trip is at 11 pm to the island, while from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda, the first trip begins at 7 am and the last trip is at 11.30 pm to the mainland. 'The public is advised to plan their journey in advance and refer to the latest ferry schedule through the official websites and social media pages of SPPP and PPSB,' he said in a statement tonight. Yeoh explained that the free ferry service is not only aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang but also at encouraging more sustainable and efficient public transportation. Meanwhile, Yeoh shared statistics from last year's Wesak Day ferry service , which recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service. He added that this contributed to the total number of foot passengers in 2024, which reached 2.13 million, along with 747,785 two-wheeled vehicle passengers.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Debate arises over Penang tourism performance
GEORGE TOWN: A debate about the performance of Penang's tourism sector has emerged following comments made at a Tourism Malaysia press conference on Monday (May 5). Tourism Malaysia's deputy chairman, Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, emphasised the need for new tourism products across all states to offer returning tourists fresh experiences. He specifically questioned Penang's offerings, asking journalists, "What new tourism products does Penang have?" Yeoh highlighted that Penang's tourism should not rely solely on "George Town and murals." The Chinese media reported that Yeoh, also the Penang Port Commission chairman, made these remarks after state tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai left the press conference having listed new attractions. Former PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng advised Wong not to deny that there are issues in Penang's tourism performance. Tan expressed concern over Wong's public statement accusing Yeoh of "undermining" Penang's tourism efforts, calling Yeoh's remarks "unacceptable." Wong added that he would address Yeoh's comments with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tan, also Penang MCA chairman, urged Wong to be open to criticism. "Every Penangite wants the state's tourism sector to thrive," said Tan. "Dismissing well-meaning suggestions or observations is concerning for Penang tourism's future." Penang Tourist Guides Association chairman Clement Liang noted the recent tension between Wong and Yeoh, a former state tourism exco for Penang. "I have no issues with either leader, though Penang can improve by addressing some tourism-related problems," Liang said. He noted that ongoing infrastructure projects in Penang are years from completion and urged addressing the perception of Penang as a traffic jam zone. "More traffic police or wardens at key junctions would help," Liang said. During festive seasons, traffic congestion makes organising quality trips for cruise ship visitors difficult as travel time between attractions is affected." "Cruise ship tourists are on the island for only eight to 10 hours, so we must ensure they have a rich experience," he added. Liang hopes the state can make Weld Quay, near Penang's clan jetties, more pedestrian-friendly. "Tourists can be bewildered, less alert, and tired from jet lag," he said. "They may expect cars to stop for pedestrians, which doesn't always happen here." "Weld Quay sees many tourists at risk from traffic, as does Armenian Street, home to the popular Children on Bicycle mural." "Penang's attractions are always appealing, but some basic improvements would help," Liang added.
