Penang ferry terminal to get seaview deck, commercial spaces in revitalisation effort
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025
By: Malay Mail Text Size: PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the revitalisation aims to modernise the terminal with an attractive design to improve visitor comfort and satisfaction. — Picture courtesy of Penang Port Commission GEORGE TOWN: The Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) ferry terminal on Penang island will undergo an upgrade to include a seaview observatory deck, commercial spaces, and open car parks, the Penang Port Commission (PPC) announced today. PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the revitalisation aims to modernise the terminal with an attractive design to improve visitor comfort and satisfaction.
Advertisement 'This will boost operational productivity,' Yeoh said in a statement. He added that the commercial spaces will feature a food and beverage hub and a garden bridge, alongside other attractions to draw more tourists. The PRTU upgrade is part of broader efforts to improve ferry operations, Yeoh noted. In addition, he said the extension of the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) now enables Oasis-class cruise ships to dock simultaneously, accommodating up to 12,000 passengers at a time. 'SPCT has been developed as a regional cruise ship hub, and projects around the terminal are being prioritised to complement these upgrades and attract more cruise ships to Penang,' he said. Yeoh also announced plans to collaborate with Printhero to establish a ferry museum showcasing Penang's iconic ferries, which once served as a crucial transportation link between Seberang Perai and the island. 'The conservation project aims to preserve the state's maritime heritage while offering visitors a chance to explore the history of water transportation in Malaysia. The old ferry, which carries countless memories, will be revived as a historical tourism attraction,' he said. Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook visited the PPC and reviewed key projects, including the North Butterworth Container Terminal Expansion Master Plan. According to Yeoh, the expansion involves reclamation work over 322.83 hectares and includes plans for a major petroleum hub in the northern region called the Northern Petroleum Terminal (NPT). 'The NPT will be a bulk petroleum storage facility designed to accommodate Medium Range (MR) class tankers,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
17 hours ago
- Daily Express
Vintage photos – ‘frozen' moments of North Borneo
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: This is the famous iconic panoramic picture of a very beautiful and neat-looking pre-war Sandakan taken in 1941 by Kwan Yau Mui, assisted by brother Kwan Dick Fook. Readers should note the photo is printed by surgically joining four negatives (below) together, giving an impression that it comes from one single wide angle shot. The Kwan brothers deserve a tribute for this heritage picture. MY fascination with North Borneo stamps initially sparked my interest in collecting postcards and real picture postcards (RPPC). As my collection grew, I realised I had amassed a substantial number of vintage images from the region. These photographs, often taken by professional local photographers, serve as windows into a society experiencing rapid societal and cultural change. Intrigued by their stories, I began researching the photographers, when and where the images were taken and who captured them. Advertisement These local photographers, I believe, were the region's earliest 'ambassadors' of tourism, culture, and history. The earliest of these ambassadors was Philippe B. Funk. With Dr PK Lim, we authored a book in 2014 titled 'Prewar Images of North Borneo', which shed light on Funk's contributions. The work was featured in the Daily Express as a weekly article in 2015. The Kwan brothers – pioneer lens men But perhaps even more fascinating are the Kwan Brothers – Kwan Kai Fook, Kwan Yau Mui, and Kwan Dick Fook, whose extensive collection of photographs remains influential today. Their images, many of which are traded online, serve as a lasting testament to their significant role in documenting the history of North Borneo. The Kwan Brothers played a pivotal role in pioneering photography in North Borneo during the early 20th century. They produced a vast array of historical photographs, greeting cards, and postcards depicting the region's architecture, landscapes, and indigenous populations. Their work captured the essence of life in North Borneo - its people, its society, and its environment, serving as a visual archive of a society on the verge of monumental change. Journey began in 1928 The journey of these photographers began before 1928 with Lee Nam Keng Kee & Sons, which produced five postcards during that period. Kwan Yau Mui, an avid photographer, established Sunshinewood Photo Service in 1928, operating from the first floor of Lee Nam Keng Kee at 69 Jalan Tiga, Sandakan. Many of the iconic pre-war images from Sandakan originate from his camera. As business flourished, the brothers founded The Flower Studio in 1938, located above Funk & Sons – a Western sundry shop on Jalan Tiga near North Borneo Trading. These studios became renowned for their ability to capture and preserve the spirit of life during the pre-war years. Their photographic work, especially the postcards adorned with typewritten captions, stands out for their clarity and subtle insights into daily life. These images encapsulate a society on the brink of monumental change, a culture that was both proud of its traditions and eager for progress. Famous panorama of pre-war Sandakan One of the most remarkable contributions of the Kwan Brothers was their pioneering work in panoramic photography. In 1941, Kwan Yau Mui and Kwan Dick Fook captured a famous panoramic view of pre-war Sandakan (Top picture). This masterpiece involved four carefully taken frames from strategic vantage points, maintaining a consistent focal point. The negatives were developed and pieced together with precision, preserving proportions and detail. Readers, especially Sandakan folks, should appreciate what a special effort or feat this really is, because although the world's first wide angle lens – Harison & Schnitza Globe (USA), was invented in 1862, professional photographers of North Borneo like the Kwan brothers, definitely were not equipped with such means or luxuries. So they resorted to joining up what looks like four 126-size negatives, incised and knitted so carefully together that when the panoramic picture was printed, it looks as though it comes from one single wide angle shot! It's a super darkroom job which people won't do unless they really had a heart for it. They also captured a panoramic view of Jesselton from the Residency on Signal Hill. These panoramic photographs serve as poignant reminders of the destructive impact of war. The contrast between the peaceful pre-war scenes and the post-war devastation (bottom picture) highlights how conflict leaves scars on both communities and landscapes. The scenes created by war, though tragic, also testify to the resilience of the people who lived through it. Editor's note: The article and pictures are contributed by the book's author, Sandakan-born Nicholas KM Tan, a noted collector and researcher of vintage postcards and impermanent postal collectables, thus preserved fleeting moments of colony North history published in the book. Besides being a graduate in Computer Science from North London Polytechnic, Tan is founder of Hotel Sixty3 on Gaya St, KK, co-author of another book 'Pre-War images of North Borneo'. He and wife Gloria Kah have six daughters.
Daily Express
19 hours ago
- Daily Express
Aton-CSX deal to put Sabah on the map
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: Jin Tang and Charles Tsao displaying the signed documents while others look on. Kota Kinabalu: A Sabahan real estate enterprise, Aton Group, joined forces with CSX Holdings Sdn Bhd to launch AyuHouz, a dynamic venture committed to redefining hospitality and positioning Sabah as a premier global destination. The collaboration was sealed through the Hospitality Signing ceremony between Aton Group Director, Jin Tang Kiah Khang and CSX Holdings Chairman, Charles Tsao Yu Hsiang, at the Banyan Valley Sales Gallery, near here, on Saturday. Aton Group continues to grow beyond State borders with clarity of purpose and ambition, while CSX Holdings Sdn Bhd brings to the table robust financial strength and a passion for long-term development. Under the partnership, Aton and CSX, through AyuHouz, is set to introduce approximately 1,000 rooms across Kota Kinabalu and Semporna over the next five years. Now, they actively seek investors, hotel owners and property sellers ready to be part of Sabah's remarkable growth story and broaden their footprint in this vibrant tourism landscape. They stated that at AyuHouz, their mission was to elevate homegrown hotels by delivering upscale hospitality at an attainable price point, where luxury meets accessibility, ensuring every guest enjoys world-class comfort without compromise. Advertisement For investors, this is an exceptional opportunity to engage in a tourism sector brimming with untapped potential. 'AyuHouz is about more than business – it is about crafting experiences. We aim to welcome international travellers to Sabah's stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and heartfelt hospitality. 'By working hand-in-hand with local travel agencies, we will promote and amplify Sabah's unique hotel brands, bringing them onto the global stage,' they said. AyuHouz is deeply committed to uplifting the community by creating career pathways for fresh graduates and empowering hospitality professionals to thrive and lead in an ever-evolving industry. 'We are not just building a company, we are cultivating a movement that nurtures talent, strengthens enterprises and redefines Sabah's tourism narrative,' they said. Also present were Wu Huixin, Chairman of Tailixing Group Co. Ltd; Lin Xigin, Director cum CEO of Tailixing Group Charlie Tang Kiah Lee, Director of ATON Group; Charis Lee Chee Xui, Executive Director of CSX Group; and Calvern Ng Soon Yong, Executive Director of CSX. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Asean travel meet as yearly event mooted
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Liew (4th right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah, and Captain Fareh. Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew suggests that the inaugural Asean Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event. She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Star) on Thursday. 'An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among Asean member countries,' Liew said, while urging the President of the Federation of Asean Travel Associations (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion. For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures. Speaking to the delegates, Liew said: 'If it's your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences. 'As Malaysia is the Chairman of Asean this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that bring us together. Advertisement 'As the inaugural dinner of the Asean Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.' The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea. ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of AseanTravel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water. Among the guests were Permanent Secretary to KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, President of ASEANTA Eddy Krismeidi, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra. Also present were Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Ken Pan, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lajim, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, CEO of STB Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and CEO of SCB Noredah Othman. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
