BUTTERWORTH: In conjunction with Thaipusam, commuters can enjoy free ferry rides for 50 hours beginning 12.01am on Jan 24 to 2am on Jan 26.

       Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the free ferry rides – offered by Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) – will be the first to be implemented for more than 24 hours to celebrate the festival.

       "We anticipate that many Hindu devotees will travel to the island to celebrate Thaipusam.

       "With this free service, we hope it facilitates movement," he told a press conference after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) for a development project in Prai.

       Loke said the ferry will operate 24 hours from Jan 24 to 25, and on Jan 26, until 2am.

       On top of that, passengers using the ferry service will be provided with free shuttle buses to the temple in Kebun Bunga, he added.

       "At the Raja Tun Uda Terminal (on the island), a complimentary shuttle bus service passing through Hindu prayer areas will be provided, with the final destination in Kebun Bunga," he said.

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       These shuttle buses will run from 2pm on Jan 24 to 1am on Jan 25, and from 5.30am on Jan 25 to 1am on Jan 26.

       Thaipusam falls on Jan 25.

       PPC, in a statement, said the free ferry rides reflect the commission's enduring commitment to excellence and community engagement and reinforce its pivotal role in the nation's festivities.

       On a separate matter, Loke said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has during a meeting on Monday (Jan 15) instructed the Transport Ministry to table a Cabinet memo on the state Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.