THE Penang government is hoping the ongoing efforts by a private company responsible for the floating museum conversion (Penang Ferry Museum) will progress smoothly to meet its scheduled year-end opening, following an unexpected setback on Oct 6.
On Oct 3, the iconic Penang ferry was successfully towed past the KTMB railway bridge at Bagan Dalam Silpway, to be temporarily moored at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
Less than a week after being moved to its new location, the vessel began taking in water, resulting in the ferry partially sinking off the SPCT.
During a media conference in Komtar today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed concerns from the Penang government over the incident and is hopeful the private company and port authorities will do their best to preserve this cultural heritage and ensure the floating museum initiative comes to fruition.
“I am not sure about the factors that may contributed to this unprecedented event, but the authorities are doing their best to save this ferry.
“This shows that many unused ferries are not in a state of seaworthiness, which brings us to the need to carry out detailed and thorough engineering inspection or repair works.
“It is a challenging task and an equally expensive exercise too,” Chow said during the media conference.
According to several news reports, it was learned that the ferry, about a week ago, had undergone more than 70% repair work and 90% refurbishment.
Several museum exhibits were already spotted on board the ferry, including vintage cars.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat