Page 9 - MMC Ports Newsletter-2023_July-Sept_ISSUE

2023 JULY - SEPTEMBER ISSUE 9

HISTORY OF PENANG PORT FERRY SERVICE
Known as the oldest ferry service within the state of
Penang, ferry service operations originally started as a
passenger-only service in 1894 by the late Quah Beng
Kee, an entrepreneur from Penang Island, together with
his four brothers under a formed company named Beng
Brothers. The initial variant of ferry service was operated
between Kedah Pier on Penang Island and various
landing places in Province Wellesley (currently known as
Butterworth) on the mainland.

Years later in 1924, the ferry service was acquired by
the Penang Port Commission (formerly Penang Harbour
Board) through its subsidiary, Penang Port Sdn Bhd.
Under Penang Port’s jurisdiction, the ferries were
subsequently refitted to also carry automobiles in 1925,
and the port has since gone on to pioneer and upgrade
the ferry service to its current state today.

SAILING TOWARDS SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Throughout recent years, Penang Port has invested resources into the introduction and upgrade of pioneering ferry
features and infrastructure both onboard and on the shores.

The recent ferries saw the introduction A new E-Ticketing System was established,
of many new features such as the serving as a seamless and efficient ticketing
implementation of air conditioning process for all passengers. Users can purchase
units, fully roofed ferries and dedicated tickets via online page and over the counter.
luggage compartments. Besides those, Besides that, users are also allowed to use their
the new ferries were equipped with Touch n Go card.
modern technologies that enabled port
staff to monitor all ferries from shore.
New engines were also implemented
to translate into greener impacts, The ferry terminals also saw comprehensive
with the new ferries only consuming facility and personnel upgrades. Free WiFi,
around 50% of fuel compared to older air-conditioned waiting rooms and new charging
ferry models. stations were implemented at the premises for
the convenience of passengers, while Port
Auxiliary Police officers are stationed during all
operation hours at the ferry terminals to ensure
safety at all times.