AFTER being out of use for more than six months, the unstable berth at the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in Weld Quay will be rebuilt starting next month at a cost of RM2.15mil.

Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transport Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng said Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had appointed a contractor to carry out the work which was scheduled to be completed in six months’ time.

“The old berth which is more than 30 years old will be dug out and the contractor will lay new foundation,” he said after a site inspection at the terminal on Monday.

Lim said he went to the ferry terminal for inspection after a complaint by email was sent to the Penang Chief Minister’s off-ice.

“We received several complaints like the air ventilation at the passenger’s waiting area at the ferry terminal was not good as the fans were not working.

“Part of the ceiling has also broken and it leaks when there’s heavy rain. Cleanliness is also an issue as rubbish can be seen scattered on the floor,” he said.

He added that the sender also complained of long waiting time for the ferries to arrive.

“The waiting time should be around 15 minutes,” he said.

PPSB operation coordinator Jamil Mordipi, who was also present during the inspection, said the administration would look into fixing the facilities.

Lim said PPSB had suffered losses even though the ferry service was widely utilised by the public.

“Last year, PPSB spent RM16.5mil to subsidise the service and in 2010, PPSB suffered losses of RM15.6mil.

“The main factors for the losses are the high fuel price and maintenance for the ferries,” he said.

He said PPSB had written to the Federal Government to request for fuel subsidy.

“But the government doesn’t allow subsidy for PPSB as transportation by sea does not qualify for subsidy. Only transportation by river qualifies for subsidy,” he said.

Source: The Star