WATER TAXIS TO BECOME TOURIST ATTRACTION IN NORTHERN STATE

BUTTERWORTH (Malaysia), July 27 (Bernama) -- Water taxis will soon be making
waves in Penang, a northern state in Peninsular Malaysia, as a new mode of
transportation and tourism product.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamed Yakcop said
the service would not only make it convenient for Penangites, but also double as
a tourist attraction.

"These water taxis will increase Penang's appeal among tourists and provide
the opportunity for those interested in running the project," he said.

Nor Mohamed said the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) was
currently carrying out a study on the service and expected to complete it in
three months.

He added that the project was tabled recently by the NCIA and had been
approved by the government.

Nor Mohamed said the water taxis, which would operate between the mainland
and the island, would not disrupt the existing ferry operations.

Penang Port Commission chairman, Tan Cheng Liang said recently that RM50
million had been allocated for the project.

Tan said among the areas suggested as routes on the island side were the
waters of Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Pulau Jerjak and Batu Maung
while the Seberang Perai area would cover the waters of Bagan Ajam, Butterworth,
Batu Kawan and Nibong Tebal.

Besides building a jetty at each location, he said other transport
facilities such as buses and taxis would also be set up for the public.

-- BERNAMA