GEORGE TOWN: The state government is concerned by the listing of one of Penang's iconic ferries which was supposed to be transformed into the Penang Ferry Museum.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed hope that the company responsible for the project would be able to save the ferry at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) after it began listing last week.
"We are indeed very concerned about the situation. The company has already been offered to restore the ferry by the Penang Port Commission and has started work. It is supposed to be operational by the end of this year.
"However, after being (moved) to the island from Butterworth, a situation arose. I do not know the reasons, but perhaps the restoration work was unable to address the issue of water entering the ferry, which has put it in a critical condition.
"We have been informed that the company is working to resolve the situation, and we hope they succeed. If not, the ferry will sink. This also indicates that most of the ferries that are no longer in use are not sea-worthy and require engineering work for repairs.
"This is a very challenging task and incurs significant costs.
"Nonetheless, we hope that the ferry, which has already been offered to a private company to be turned into a museum, can be restored," he told newsmen here today.
It was reported that efforts were underway to save the state's iconic ferry.
Printhero Merchandise Sdn Bhd, the company responsible for the project, said a qualified contractor had been appointed to refloat the ferry
The company said it was committed to doing everything possible to save the ferry.
However, concerns have been raised after the ferry began to list further in the past few days.