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By Marina Emmanuel. WHAT is needed is a firm hand to guide the marketing and development of Penang's marine tourism, which has the potential to generate millions of ringgit for the local economy.Â
The open and engaging manner in which port regulator Penang Port Commission (PPC) and terminal operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) addressed a slew of grouses about the Tanjung City Marina operations in George Town yesterday merits mention.
It is not every day that the authorities in Penang open themselves up to constructive criticism under the full glare of the media and express a willingness to improve. PPC chairman Tan Cheng Liang is mindful that the issues plaguing the country's first inner city marina are not something new and that she needs to act fast if further damage is to be controlled internationally and on home ground. The willingness of PPSB chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya to hear out the concerns raised by users of the public marina and his conciliatory gestures helped sooth some frayed nerves. The RM43 million marina, funded by the federal government five years ago and managed by PPSB, was intended to raise Penang's profile as a marine playground for individual boat owners and charter companies. Occupying 1.6ha adjacent to the Penang Ferry Terminal, the marina has 102 berths ranging from 11 metres to 50 metres and can accommodate up to 140 yachts and boats of different sizes. Instead, the marina is only 25 per cent occupied and, of late, the perception among yachtsmen and boaters that it is poorly maintained and unsafe is not helping the aspiration to make it a leading yachting hub. Officials from both PPC and PPSB admitted to certain weaknesses in the past five years, such as the lack of a proper infrastructure and maintenance practices which can be improved. On their part, the boat and yacht owners present, both locals and foreigners, were frank in voicing their complaints. They told the authorities that although the proximity of the marina to George Town makes it an attractive spot to dock, and the many useful facilities for transient boaters notwithstanding, the lack of measures being taken to address storm surge, waves and marine safety in general rendered the marina unattractive. Both the port regulator and the operator of the marina have their work cut out for them now that promises have been made to hold regular dialogues with all parties and for the lines of communication to stay open. The opening of the RM65 million international cruise terminal adjoining Swettenham Pier is advantageous to the marina. There should not be any more excuses for boaters continuing to give Penang a miss and opting for other destinations with outstanding marina facilities in the country and in neighbouring Singapore and Thailand. What is needed now is a firm hand to guide the marketing and development of Penang's marine tourism, which has the potential to generate millions of ringgit for the local economy. ** Reproduced with permission. This article first appeared in the June 22, 2010 issue of Business Times. Â
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