State infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said it would be an alternative mode of transport service that would be easily accessible by the public for long-distance travel within the city.

“If everything goes well, this water taxi service can be introduced in 2024,” he told a press conference here, adding that the request for proposal (RFP) process will begin on Dec 12.

The water taxi service is one of the proposals listed under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to overcome the problem of traffic congestion in the state.

It is understood that four jetty locations have been identified, namely Straits Quay, Swettenham Pier Terminal, Batu Maung and Jerejak island.

“The RFP would be advertised on Dec 12, a briefing by MBPP will be held on Dec 19 and the closing date for the RFP is on Feb 27.

“After that, MBPP and related agencies will make an assessment. If everything proceeds smoothly, hopefully by mid-2023 we can offer the tender and firm up the plans to realise this water taxi service,” he said.

He added that companies wishing to participate in the RFP must be registered with the companies commission of Malaysia (SSM) or organisations registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) and have a minimum paid-up capital of RM500,000.