Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO and TARRENCE TAN

       SIT down and try to resolve Penang’s transportation issues over “teh tarik”, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

       The Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker made the suggestion to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) after Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong said that he would provide written replies to his questions.

       “Can the deputy minister invite YB Jelutong (Rayer) over to the ministry together with the minister and Penang chief minister (Chow Kon Yeow) who is also a member of this House, so that all of you can resolve the issues over teh tarik?” Azalina said in response to Rayer’s insistence for answers from Sum in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       Earlier, Azalina had instructed Sum to provide Rayer with a written answer within five days to a question Rayer raised over the RM30mil allocation provided for the iconic Penang ferry service.

       Rayer, who was then allowed to ask a third supplementary question, went on a rant over the lack of development in Penang.

       He cited several transportation projects such as the Penang International Airport, the ferry service and cable car as examples where there had been no development.

       “Is this because Penang is an Opposition-led state government?” Rayer added.

       Sum noted that although Rayer’s question was off the topic on the original question related to the island’s ferry service, a written reply would be given to him.

       Earlier, Sum said that the ferry service was taken over by Penang Port Sdn on Jan 1 this year with the services of the old ferries terminated due to their age and safety reasons.

       He said that the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and PPSB were in the midst of upgrading the port and ferry service.

       He said the ferry service would involve the use of the new “water bus” and “vehicle transporter” by the end of 2022, in phases.

       During this transition period, Sum said that ferry service would be conducted through ferries rented by PPSB.

       He said the ferries would be for use to transport pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles only.

       In July this year, PPC chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng announced that the five iconic PenaMg ferries would be converted into a floating museum, two floating restaurants and two tourist ferries.