BUTTERWORTH, March 31 — Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has signaled openness to extending water taxi services to Seberang Perai, provided there’s a favorable response to its rollout on the island. Chow clarified that any decision regarding this expansion rests with the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), as the project falls within their jurisdiction rather than that of the state government. He emphasized that while the initiative is currently confined to Penang Island, it remains in its trial phase, with user feedback yet to be gathered. The potential expansion, contingent upon demand, hinges on MBSP’s discretion, responsible for Seberang Perai’s administration.
Chow’s remarks follow suggestions by Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng, advocating for extending water taxi services to Seberang Perai to alleviate its traffic congestion. Media reports from December indicated the imminent launch of Penang’s first comprehensive water taxi service in 2024. Part of the broader Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), this service aims to provide an alternative transportation mode to tackle traffic challenges in the state, as outlined by State Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
