GEORGE TOWN: A new ferry service between Swettenham Pier here and Langsa in Acheh, Indonesia, will commence on Feb 21 to boost education and medical tourism in Penang.
The service operated by Langkawi Ferry Services will begin with one trip each on Mondays and Wednesdays from Penang to Langsa, and single trips from Langsa to Penang on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) managing director Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said the new service managed by TYC Resources was expected to bring in more medical tourists, especially from the Achehnese community, to the state.
“The 150km journey takes about seven-and-a-half hours, and can accommodate up to 138 passengers per trip,” he told a press conference at the PPSB office here yesterday.
Ahmad added that the direct ferry service was more convenient to Indonesians who intend to come to Penang from Langsa. Currently, those residing in Langsa have to travel all the way to Medan or Acheh to catch a flight to Penang.
“With the ferry service, people from Langsa and its surrounding areas can come to Penang directly with less hassle,” said.
Langsa walikota (district council chief) Usman Abdullah said the new service was expected to bring in some 100 Indonesian tourists to Penang per trip. Langsa has a population of more than 200,000.
The project was mooted in September last year between Malaysian and Indonesian investors.
Tickets for a return trip from Penang to Langsa are available at Langkawi Ferry Services in Penang Street at RM180 per adult and RM120 per child.
-thestar online.
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