GEORGE TOWN: Persons with disabilities (OKU) will get to ride the Penang Ferry service for free from April 8.

       Those eligible would have to pre-register at counters in Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda on the island or Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim on the mainland with their MyKad and OKU cards issued by the Social Welfare Department.

       When registered, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists will have the fare waived by using their MyKad.

       Presently, the fee for OKU is RM1 for pedestrians, cyclists (RM2) and motorcyclists (RM2.50).

       Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said both they and the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had agreed to assist the disabled using the ferry service.

       "Once registered, OKU will enjoy free, unlimited ferry rides between both terminals.

       "This no-limit offer is expected to ease their financial burden for transportation and encourage them to use the service," he said at Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda on Monday (April 1).

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       PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan added that on average, OKU makes 140 trips daily.

       Also present was PPC general manager Dr V. Vijayaindiaran and PPSB chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza.