GEORGE TOWN: Five of the iconic Penang ferries will be tendered to private companies from July 1.

       The private companies which are eligible will convert one of the ferries to a floating museum, two to floating restaurants and two to tourist ferries.

       Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the commission had called for a request for proposal from March 18 to 29 and received proposals from several companies.

       "After evaluation by several PPC committees, the board of directors in mid-June approved the proposals of a few companies for the refurbishment and operation of the ferries," said Tan in a statement on Tuesday (June 22).

       "A 10-year agreement with an option for another five years was signed with the eligible companies.

       The companies, said Tan, were given a period of three to five months to repair and refurbish the ferries before commencing operation.

       "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a special committee has also been formed to assist the companies in their preparation for the take over of the ferries.

       "The immediate aim of PPC is to see the five iconic ferries emerging again in Penang waters to attract tourists to the state.

       Since Jan 1, only one of the iconic ferries is plying between the island and mainland carrying two wheelers.

       Another RoRo boat is used to carry two wheelers and pedestrians are ferried using two fast boats.

       All four wheelers are using the two bridges to travel to the mainland.