Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by hannahtan1168

Penang needs its ferries back

hannahtan1168 — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 21:58:28 +0800

QUOTE

THE iconic Penang ferry service was officially terminated on January 1, 2021, after 126 years of service.

The responsible authority for its demise was Penang Port Commission (PPC), a port regulatory body under the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The transport minister at that time was Wee Ka Seong, the leader of MCA, a party that was at odds with the state government of Penang since 2008, when DAP first took over the state administration.

In a show of force, politically and financially, the budget for a new fleet of ferries by the state-supported operator was not approved by the MOT.

Instead, PPC’s proposal for “passenger only boats” was immediately agreed to by the transport minister and a new budget was allocated by the Ministry of Finance.

This is a clear example of how conflicts between two rival parties escalated to a point where it not only affected the existing operator, but also caused massive drawbacks for users.

The main function of the old ferries was to move people and vehicles between Butterworth and George Town, and vice versa.

The fact that the ferries could move cars and motorcycles across in a shorter time span compared to the two bridges made them more convenient and popular.

Foot passengers also benefited greatly as the fare charged was merely 70 sen for a return journey.

The terminals and link spans — used for vehicle access in Butterworth and George Town — were specifically designed for double-decked Penang ferries.

Imagine the losses incurred due to the controversial political decision.

But MCA, being a party of the rich “towkays”, saw fit to commission passenger-only vessels despite strong opposition from DAP and ferry users.

Perhaps it was due to PPC being controlled by MCA nominees. Many suspected that a business arrangement was already in place to benefit certain organisations such as the boat-building company and the ultimate vessel owners who would lease them back to the operator.

Since the new “fast boats” are to be operated by the private sector, many users feel that the 70 sen return fare will not be maintained.

Now, not only cars and motorcycles cannot cross between Butterworth (and its catchment areas like North Seberang Perai) and George Town directly, but daily ferry users must make a long detour to use the congested first Penang bridge instead.

As a result, they face higher travel costs and a longer journey.

No proper assessment

It seemed that the abolition of the ferry service was done hurriedly.

It was based on political and business considerations rather than on users’ needs.

Had a proper assessment been made, incorporating all the implications for every stakeholder, the ferries would have been left alone.

Factors such as cost, time, and convenience favour the old connectivity.

Penang’s value as a major tourist destination and as a location to attract foreign direct investments is dependent upon the ability of its administrators to modernise as well as preserve valuable heritage like the Penang ferries.

Efficient and high-frequency services, if so desired, could still be obtained by increasing and modernising the entire fleet.

It only required a proper fleet renewal to be undertaken, which would have been supported by the same budget allocation. – December 16, 2022.

Link: https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/index.php/s/417680

I love Penang and don't like politician keep destroying what we love. That's why I share that I care.

Penang Motorcycle Ferry shutdown next year?

hannahtan1168 — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:43:14 +0800

So next time, everyone must learn how to swim across the sea?

So when Penang Ferry will come back?

hannahtan1168 — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 16:20:16 +0800

QUOTE

The cancellation of the iconic 126 year old Penang ferry service is the PN government’s open confrontation With Penangites led by their chosen hatchet man MCA and Wee Ka Siong
DAP expresses deep disappointment that Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz has failed to keep his promise in Parliament on 17 December 2020, to continue with the iconic Penang ferry services following the announcement of its termination by Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong. Tengku Zafrul has also committed the cardinal sin for Ministers by willfully misleading Parliament, a transgression that can be punished by Parliament’s Committee of Privileges.

By breaking his promise so readily in Parliament, Tengku Zafrul has not only damaged his credibility but also jeopardized the country’s international reputation by being seen as a “lightweight” with no influence on government policy. I hope Tengku Zafrul can enlighten Penangites by publicly clarifying this confusing situation, which can have serious repercussions beyond merely retaining the iconic Penang ferry services.

As the main architect and principal spokesperson of Malaysia’s economic policy, a Finance Minister’s credibility is of utmost importance to retain both public trust and inspire confidence amongst investors and the business community, that the country means what it says and says what it means. How then can the country restore our sovereign credit ratings following Fitch Ratings’ downgrade from A- to BBB+?

Furthermore, the cancellation of the iconic 126 year old Penang ferry service is an unequivocal declaration of the PN government’s open confrontation with the people of Penang, led by their chosen hatchet man MCA and Wee Ka Siong. This is not the first time that Penang has suffered badly from the heavy hand of vengeance politics since the PN government took over in March 2020.

Apart from the loss of the iconic ferry services with its unique vehicle carrying capacity that harkens back to the bygone years before the 1st Penang Bridge was built, Penang has lost the following development projects approved by the Pakatan Harapan government.

The termination of the proposed expansion of the Penang International Airport last year costing at least RM800 million. Whether there will be an expansion will only be decided after 2023.
The cancellation of RM100 million grant to build the Penang Hill Cable car to overcome the rise in train passenger traffic from 250,000 passengers a year to 2 million.
The suspension of Federal government guarantees for the Penang state government to secure a loan to finance the construction of the Light Rail Transit to overcome chronic traffic congestion in Penang that impeded future growth prospects.
Despite Penang contributing RM7 billion in yearly taxes and revenue to the Federal government, the PN government has taken back all these critical development projects provided for by the PH government. MCA and Wee will never be forgiven nor forgotten by Penangites and our children for their vindictive vengeance politics.

Source: https://dapmalaysia.org/statements/2020/12/26/31179/

WTA: Maybank online replacement ATM Debit Card

hannahtan1168 — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:07:20 +0800

My first time replacement card via online.

Want to ask if change new Maybank2u ATM Debit Card via online, when received the card, can use directly use exsiting/old 6 PIN? Or need to wait them send a new 6PIN?

MCO kill Penang Ferry Hawker Stall

hannahtan1168 — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:38:07 +0800

Yesterday passby still have some stall open, today knock out the entire rows. Business here is really bad due to MCO. How will these small businesses survive another 14 days?

Penang Ferry hawkers & businesses has been abandon

hannahtan1168 — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:29:50 +0800

The hawkers and businesses at Penang Ferry terminal has been abandon just like that. Government have money to buy new boat and build new buildings but don't have effort to save the businesses surrounding the area. Pity the hawkers and businesses over there, they has been suffer huge losses due to pandemic and now this happen.

I though they buy new ferry but end up old Langkawi boat.
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The surrounding hawkers and businesses going to close soon. I love to buy local pastry and biscuits from them. Now don't know where to buy anymore.
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