GEORGE TOWN: A joint committee has been formed to investigate the collision involving an oil tanker and the Penang Ferry, says Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
Yeoh said the committee comprises representatives from the Maritime Department (Northern Region), Penang Port Sdn Bhd and the commission.
He said the committee will seek to identify the cause of the incident and the parties involved, as well as to examine and propose appropriate recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"Several investigative measures have been and are still being carried out.
"This includes inspecting the involved vessel and ferry, as well as recording statements from relevant parties.
"A preliminary report on the incident has been submitted to the special task force established by the Transport Ministry.
“The final investigation report will be completed once all investigative processes have concluded and all relevant information and statements have been obtained and examined," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
Yeoh said once the investigation report is finalised, the commission will take appropriate follow-up action based on the investigation's findings, as well as any relevant further directives and decisions.
"We (the Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd) will continue to provide full cooperation to all parties involved in the investigation to ensure that the probe is conducted transparently and comprehensively.
"We give our assurance that the safety of ferry service users and the smooth operation of the port will always remain our priority,” he said.
It was reported that at about 8.40pm last Tuesday, the ferry dubbed Teluk Bahang ferry, travelling from the island to the mainland, collided with an oil tanker named MV Mekar Jaya, which was travelling from the Butterworth Deep Water Wharf to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
The collision left a large dent at the front of the Teluk Bahang ferry.
Passengers said the ferry had to turn around while berthing, allowing them to disembark through the rear entrance.
The impact caused several motorcycles on the ferry to topple, with 21 of the 140 people on board subsequently sent to the Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment.
