GEORGE TOWN, Dec 31 — Malaysians taking the speedboat to cross the Penang Channel can do so for free between January 1 and June 30 next year.

Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the state government has decided to extend the free ferry rides for foot passengers taking the speedboats.

"An estimated RM468,000 has been allocated to fund ferry fees for foot passengers for the first six months of 2023,” he said in a statement today.

He said about RM78,000 is allocated each month for a total 65,000 tickets.

The free ferry ride programme was first introduced in July 1 last year and had received good response.

"Malaysian passengers need only register their MyKad at the ticket counter and tap their MyKad on the scanner to take the ferry free of charge,” Zairil said.

He hoped this will encourage more people to take the public transport in Penang as the state also has a free bus pass programme.