GEORGE TOWN: Five of the decommissioned iconic car-carrying ferries will return to Penang waters once again after being transformed into floating museums, floating restaurants and tourist ferries.
The sixth decommissioned car-carrying ferry, Angsa, will be gifted to the Penang government as announced earlier.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng today handed over the ferries namely Talang-Talang, Pulau Payar, Pulau Undan, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Pinang to three successful companies to be refurbished.
Tan said of the five ferries, only Talang Talang and Pulau Undan were fit to operate, while the other three were beyond repair and no longer in operation since the end of 2019.
"PPC will ensure that the iconic ferries will make their presence in Penang waters once again after their transformation.
"I believe all five ferries will serve as popular tourism hotspots and play a part in stimulating the state's economy," he said today.
Elaborating, Tan said Printhero Merchandise (M) Sdn Bhd had been selected to refurbish the Pulau Pinang ferry into a floating museum, which will be parked at the Tanjung City Marina here.
"Once refurbished, the iconic ferry will take visitors back to its glorious past with photo exhibitions, visual display, a souvenir shop, a cafè and photo-taking spots," he added.
Tan said Chuen Shin Aquaculture Sdn Bhd was selected to refurbish Pulau Kapas and Pulau Payar into floating restaurants. Both ferries will be placed near Pulau Jerejak.
"This company has many fish farms near Pulau Jerejak and has a vast experience in maritime.
"Besides enjoying a wide array of seafood offerings, visitors will get to enjoy panoramic views of both bridges in Penang as well as Pulau Jerejak.
"With the plans set out, this will serve as an iconic tourism hotspot when ready," he added.
Meanwhile, Tan said Kantan Jaya was selected to refurbish Pulau Undan and Talang-Talang into tourist attractions.
"The tourist ferries will be anchored at the Swettenham Pier and their original look will be preserved to protect the heritage value.
"The ferries will have restaurants, conference rooms and will cater to special functions such as weddings. They will also sell local products, souvenirs and others."
On Jan 27, this year, PPC announced that it would call for a request for proposal (RFP) to turn the century-old iconic Penang car-carrying ferries, which was phased out on New Year's Day, into floating museums, floating restaurants or tourist ferries.
The RFP was to implement Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong's decision, taking into account the cultural and heritage sentiments of Penangites towards the iconic ferries.
After nearly a century of service, Penang's iconic ferries ceased operations on Dec 31 last year.