THE Penang ferry service, which has been operational since 1894, serves thousands of commuters each day.
Other than being a popular mode of transport for many, the oldest ferry service in Malaysia is one of the state’s tourist attractions.
Working adults, school students, college students, senior citizens and tourists are among the ferry passengers on the ‘sea ride’ from George Town on the island (Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal) to Butterworth on the mainland (Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal) and vice-versa.
While some use the ferry service daily or frequently, it could be a ‘once in a lifetime’ ride for others.
So now, let us hear from the passengers themselves on how they feel about this ‘iconic’ public transport through a survey conducted by the Buletin Mutiara team on March 18 at the Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal.
Mohd Yusnizam Che Ani, 25, a scaffolding inspector in Terengganu who hails from Pendang, Kedah.
“Overall, I’m happy with the service except for the seats which could be made more comfortable.
“If they are cushioned, I think it would provide a comfortable ride
“I also feel that the ramp which we use to enter the ferry can be enhanced safety-wise.”
Nurul Farhanah, 20, a Penangite who lives in Jawi and currently pursuing her studies at Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
“Usually, the ferry will arrive on time.
“That makes it easier for me to travel. Perhaps, the pedestrian walkway towards the waiting area can be upgraded to a conducive environment by for instance, fixing of ceiling fans.”
Sentral College students Thivyashini Murugan (from Kulim, Kedah) and Thibaah Bathamanathan (from Seberang Jaya), both 21.
“We’re both frequent users of the ferry service.
“We do not face any problems with the service but just one thing, we feel that it will be good if there are more seats provided in the ferry.”
Stradford College student Nurul Fatihah Izzati Abdul Raof, 17, from Jelutong on Penang island.
“In the late afternoon, there will be a big crowd boarding the ferry.
“The peak hours are between 4pm and 5pm. You can see many passengers waiting for the ferry which makes the whole place congested. Otherwise I am happy with the service.”
Housewife Nyanamani Lazarus, 39, from Butterworth.
“I would like to suggest the ferry operator set up a food bar in the ferry.
“I think it would be lovely to have a food bar in the ferry selling snacks such as ‘karipap’, ‘kuih’ and many others. Those working adults and students would love it.”
Jane Foo Pui Yee, 26, a working adult.
“I feel the ferry fare is reasonable.
“If they are more ferries, the frequencies can be improved. On top of that, we need more seats in the ferry.”
Yong Yik Heng, 24 years old who is studying in Perlis.
“More seats are needed in the ferry.
“I have seen many elderly people standing as there are inadequate seats. Not only that, sometimes the ferry does not arrive on time. Need to improve on this.”
Senior citizen P. Saroja.
“It may be a good idea to consider having food stalls selling satisfying meals near the waiting area.
“For senior citizens like me, we tend to get exhausted fast and need to take our daily medication, so it will be nice if there are food stalls near the waiting area.
“I would also appreciate if there is a designated lane for the elderly and pregnant women at the walkway.”
College student Lee Chong Wei, 22.
“The real-time display of the ferry schedule needs to be updated from time to time.
“Sometimes when there is a ferry delay, it does not show on the screen. We have to wait without knowing that there is a delay. That can be frustrating.”
Taxi driver M. Govindasamy.
“It will be really good if escalators are provided.
“The walkway has a steep ramp which makes it difficult and tiresome for elderly person like me. It will be very convenient if there are escalators.”
A senior citizen, who only wants to be known as Mann.
“I’m fully satisfied with the ferry service.
“I think Penang ferry is providing their best service to us. I am happy with my ferry rides.”
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan