State executive councillor Lim Hock Seng (DAP-Bagan Jermal) said ferry service operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) was studying the feasibility of using such crafts to improve ferry services plying the North Channel.
“Safety aspects are currently being studied by PPSB. Most importantly, the suitability of using catamaran ferries.
“As for the existing ferries, the ferry service operator has assured that its fleet of ferries is being maintained yearly,” Lim said during the Oral Question session at the state assembly today.
Lim was responding to a query by R S N Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) who raised safety concerns with regard to the current fleet of ferries.
Rayer said the ferries were reported to have had many problems, especially mechanical, due to the ageing factor.
He said more recently, a “water sprout” that occurred on the deck of a ferry was worrying as well.
(PPSB had said there was nothing unusual about the water sprout, as it was an indication that its water supply chamber was full. It had said a cap closing the sprout was intentionally left open. The water is for use in the engine room and restrooms, among others, while the ferry crosses the sea.)
In response, Lim said the ferry operator had gone through stringent checks with the Marine Department and Llyod’s Register. The Register is a quality assurance assessor for ships.
“Yearly, all ferries are docked at the Bagan Dalam shipyard, where the engines, propellers, mechanical, electrical and safety equipment are tested.
“It takes at least 45 to 60 days for each ferry to be inspected,” Lim said.
Lim said the crew on the ferry are also trained to face any uncertainty with scheduled exercises with marine, police and rescue authorities.
“The exercise includes handling fires, rescuing people who have fallen into the water.
“PPSB conducts yearly safety drills that follow international maritime standards,” Lim added.
Currently, there are six ferries in service plying between Butterworth and George Town.