Traders at both Penang’s ferry terminals are optimistic about the future after the extensive renovation of the passenger waiting areas. Nurul Asilah Mansor, a third-generation business owner, began operating her family’s stall at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island. However, the relocation of ferry operations to the nearby Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in 2021 led to a decline in business. Nurul Asilah temporarily moved her business elsewhere until the upgraded terminal was completed. Although she now operates a smaller kiosk, she is pleased with the cleanliness and comfort of the new location.
Muhd Naim Mohd Adil, who owns a shop in the refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal on the mainland, started his business before the arrival of the new ferries. He struggled to make ends meet with fewer than 100 customers a day. However, he anticipates an increase in demand for his snacks and drinks now that more people are using the new ferries, especially during weekends and with commuters utilizing the ferry service.
Meanwhile, traders located outside the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal expressed hope that their block of shoplots would also receive upgrades. Chew, whose family has been running a business in the area for 40 years, noted a significant decline in business since the ferry operations shifted to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in 2021. Despite a 25% rental discount during the period, Chew operated at a loss. She hopes that the management will refurbish the old section, as passengers will still pass by when boarding the new terminal.
Only five out of over a dozen units in the old block at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal are currently in operation. Both the upgraded terminals on the island and mainland feature amenities such as air-conditioning, free WiFi, CCTV cameras, disabled-friendly lifts, retail outlets, and food stalls. The new ferries operate daily from 6.30am to 9.30pm and will offer free rides until September 6. Three ferries run each day with one on standby. The ferries, named Teluk Bahang, Teluk Duyung, Teluk Kampi, and Teluk Kumbar, can each carry 150 passengers and 50 motorcycles or bicycles in a 10-minute one-way trip, halving the time of the old ferries. The old Penang ferries have been retired, with the last one decommissioned in December 2022.
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Nurul asilah setting up her stall at the Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal on the island.
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Muhd Naim manning his stall at the refurbished Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal in Butterworth.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
