Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) has assured that the service from 1 Jan 2021 to three new fast ferry vessels would be safer and more convenient than the old ferry service.

Penang Port PPSB chief executive officer, V. Sasedharan said that the PPSB also planned to increase to 1.8 million pedestrical passengers beginning next year from 1.3 billion passengers last year. 

"About 1.3 million pedestrian passengers opted for the service last year. We expect this to go up to about 1.8 million people next year because the service is very comfortable, has full air conditioning and fast.

"I think that (the new service) will be more popular and will become a tourism product of the state," he said.

He told the reporters at the Swettenham Cruise Ship Terminal today during a visit to the terminal and a discussion of the current ferry service with the media.

He said that, during the interim period between Jan 1 2021 and 30 June 2022, the fast ferry boats had also been approved by the Malaysian Marine Department.

"The new boats are ready ... although some are disputing (the licenses) ... the three boats are already here and have even received a license from the Marine Department (Malaysia)," he said.

He said it was projected that a trip with the new service would last seven minutes per 30 minutes and for 40 commute times a day.

"Fast ferries for passengers will be half-hourly starting from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm," he said.

He said that that the present ferry service will only be used by cyclists and motorcyclists from 1 Jan 2021, while speedboats are used to transport individual passengers.