Penang: The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) will offer free ferry services for Malaysians on January 31 and February 1, in celebration of the Thaipusam festival. The initiative, as announced by SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, aims to facilitate travel between Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal in Butterworth and Raja Tun Uda Terminal on the island, with extended services running until 3 am on February 2.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, ferry operations will commence at midnight on January 31 and continue until 11:30 pm on February 1, with additional services running from midnight to 3 am on February 2. The public is encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and stay updated on ferry schedules via the official SPPP and PPSB websites or social media channels.

Yeoh emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the ongoing commitment of SPPP and PPSB to ease travel for Malaysians, particularly during festive occasions. The free service aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Penang and promote sustainable, efficient public transport.

Reflecting on last year's Thaipusam celebrations, Yeoh highlighted the ferry service's record of 25,670 foot passengers and 7,993 two-wheeled vehicles over a three-day period. These numbers contributed to a total of 3.13 million foot passengers and 784,065 two-wheeled vehicles for the year.

Users of the free ferry service will benefit from one-way savings of RM2 for foot passengers and RM2.50 for two-wheeled vehicles. In addition to the ferry service, SPPP is celebrating its 70th anniversary by sponsoring the 'Kids Go Free | Thaipusam Special' campaign at the Penang Ferry Museum. This campaign offers free entry to Malaysian children aged 12 and below from January 31 to February 2.