The ferry services were suspended yesterday for two days of maintenance work. However, one of the ferries returned to service this morning.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he had pleaded with the ministry to shelve the plan until a solid proposal was presented to the state government.

He said he was informed by the ministry a week ago that the terminals were to be upgraded to provide a “newer service”.

“We are told that this new service will be provided by Penang Port Sdn Bhd. This news comes just two weeks before the three-month suspension,” Chow said at a press conference in Komtar today.

“The transport ministry also told us that a shuttle bus service will be provided in the meantime.”

He said the ministry appeared to have no solid plans for expansion, adding that it should not suspend the ferry services until the state government is presented with firm plans.

He said he and a state government delegation were scheduled to meet Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong on Thursday, at which time they would discuss the ferry services and matters concerning the Penang International Airport.