The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) will provide free ferry service for Malaysians on 31st January and 1st February 2026 in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.
SPPP Chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fares apply to two-way travel between the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal (PSAH) in Butterworth and the Raja Tun Ada Terminal (PRTU) on Penang Island. Ferry services will be extended until 3AM on 2nd February to accommodate festive travel demand.
According to Yeoh, ferry operations will run from midnight on 31st January until 11.30PM on 1st February 2026, before continuing from midnight to 3AM on 2nd February. He encouraged the public to plan their journeys in advance and to check the latest ferry schedules through the official SPPP and PPSB websites or social platforms.
Yeoh said the initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of SPPP and PPSB to facilitate travel for Mlaaysians, particularly during festive seasons, while helping to reduce traffic congestion in Penang and promote the use of sustainable and efficient public transport.
He noted that during last year’s Thaipusam celebration, the ferry service recorded 25,670 foot passengers and 7,993 two-wheeled vehicles over a three-day period from 10th February to 12th February. These figures contributed to a total of 3.13 million foot passengers and 784,065 two-wheeked vehicles for the year.
Through the free ferry service, users will enjoy one-way savings of RM2 for foot passengers and RM2.50 for two-wheeled vehicles, he added. In conjunction with the Thaipusam initiative and the mark SPPP’s 70th anniversary this year, Yeoh also announced the ‘Kids Go Free, Thaipusam Special’ campaign at the Penang Ferry Museum.
Under the programme, Malaysian children aged 12 and below will receive free entry to the museum from 31st January to 2nd February.
Sources: Bernama
