GEORGE TOWN, Aug. 28 -- A new ferry route connecting Penang with Aceh, Indonesia, is a step closer to reality after the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and the Aceh government reached a consensus on the proposal.

PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the proposal is a positive initiative to strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia.

"Penang Port was represented by the Penang Port Sdn Bhd, as the appointed port operator, in a discussion with the Aceh government to get detailed information and to exchange views on Penang Port's readiness for a ferry route from Aceh," he said in a statement today.

Following the discussions, it was agreed in principle that the ferry operations will initially involve passengers and cargo only,...