Tan ... the federal government has the final say

PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang said that any parties who have interest in taking over the ferry services would have to prepare a proper proposal on how to turnover the ferry operations to rake in profits.

"Don't just talk about it, because anyone can say what they want," she said.

However, Tan said the federal government under the purview of the Transport Ministry, has the final say over the proposals.

"Even we (PPC) have suggestions to improve the services (of the ferry and port). But it's up to the ministry to approve them." she said.

It was reported yesterday that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had instructed the newly-appointed Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) president to set up a meeting with PPC to propose that MPPP take over the operations of the ferry services from Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).

"My room at PPC is open but please give me a proposal. I can't just tell the Transport Ministry that the state government or MPPP wants to take over without proper documentation," said Tan.

In 1994, the Transport Ministry had signed a concession agreement with PPSB to privatise the port operations, allowing the latter to manage both the port and ferry operations.

Although PPSB had made a net profit after tax of RM23 million in 2008, it had to call off its planned public listing due to the RM21 million loss incurred in its ferry operations, Tan told reporters after visiting the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal here today.

During the visit, she said the escalator and stairway near the PPC bus terminal, which leads to the ferry terminal has been closed.

"We advise passengers using public transportation to use the escalator near the Penang Central temporary bus terminal, while passengers from the private transport can use the walkway near the KTMB station to go to the ferry terminal," she said.

She said these are temporary measures taken in preparation for Penang Central, which is scheduled to be ready in 2013.

Tan also said that the PPC has proposed that Jalan Pantai, located near the ferry terminal be changed into a one-way road to avoid traffic congestion in the area.