GEORGE TOWN: The fast boats for commuters travelling from Butterworth to the island will begin at 6.30am instead of 7am due to the new school session which begins on Monday (Jan 10).

       Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng in a statement said the first trip would be at 6.30am for pedestrians.

       "With the assistance of Penang Port Sdn Bhd, the boats will leave 30 minutes earlier from Jan 10 for the convenience of school goers," said Tan in a statement on Sunday (Jan 9).

       We have also moved the waiting area for the boats to the ground floor from the first floor at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) due to the resumption of domestic cruise activities.

       "This is much more convenient as passengers need not climb to the first floor to board the boats.

       Tan said all the changes were to ensure that pedestrians' needs are taken care of at all times.

       He said the upgrading works at Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim and Raja Tun Uda ferry terminals were going on as planned for a more efficient and effective ferry service.