GEORGE TOWN: The Persatuan Kemajuan Nusa Pulau Pinang (Nusa) is demanding for the implementation of a proposed water taxi plan to reduce traffic congestion while encouraging tourism and economic activities in the state.

Its secretary Nurhafiza Huda Idris said the state's worsening traffic congestion could be reduced if the Transport Ministry grant approval to the Penang City Council (MBPP) to implement a 'Request For Proposal' (RFP) to call for competent companies through open tenders to present their proposals on water taxis as an alternative form of transportation in the state.

"Nusa will not stop demanding promises from Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for the water taxis.

"The MBPP had already submitted an application to the ministry for an approval to implement a proposed water taxis plan on Sept 15 last year. However, after nine months, the ministry has yet to approve the application," she said today.  

Back in August 2019, the ministry and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd had reportedly said that they would be introducing water taxis in the state as a new attraction besides replacing some of the ferry services in Penang.

The then Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook had said the proposed implementation of the water taxis or catamaran boat was expected to be implemented in 2020.

Nurhafiza said the traffic situation in Penang was getting extremely congested, especially on the island and in Seberang Prai and the situation worsened when it rains or there was an accident on the road.

"During the festive season and school holidays, many tourists from other states bring their cars into Penang. This is very good for Penang's economy and prove that the state has always been a tourist choice apart from being labeled as a 'food paradise'. Penang has many interesting places to visit.

"Despite such pride and joy, there are great concerns among the people of this state about the worsening traffic situation," she addeed.

She said the worsening congestion on a daily basis, especially during peak hours, weekends and public holidays had aroused the people's anger.

"This has resulted in the people becoming more stressed because they have to drive on very crowded roads and in tiring conditions.

"This brings about negative impact on their lives such as mental and physical stress, increasing transportation costs and being exposed to the risk of road accidents," she said.