PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong finally had the opportunity to take a ferry ride from Penang’s Swettenham Pier terminal to Butterworth after launching the resumption of services for the cruise industry here on Thursday (Dec 23).

“I’m happy to note from our fellow passengers riding with us that the current ferry service is very much improved: more punctual, more comfortable, and more efficient,” he said in a Facebook post.

“The journey to Butterworth used to take 25 minutes one way, but is now only seven minutes,” added Dr Wee.

He was accompanied by Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, PPC general manager Monaliza Suhaimi, chairman of Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, and PPSB CEO Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan.

“We also took a moment to see the progress of the Sultan Abdul Halim terminal (renovation) and we expect it to be completed next July, ahead of schedule,” said Dr Wee.