GEORGE TOWN: The first Penang Ferry Museum will be open to the public early next year if the ongoing renovation work goes smoothly.

       Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said work on the project was in full swing despite setbacks because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “In addition to the interior decoration, the management company responsible for the project has actively coordinated with all government departments so that it can be completed as soon as possible,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (March 24).

       Tan added that the museum will retain the original dimensions and appearance of the ferry that is being converted into the museum.

       “The original ferry area of 621sq m will be maintained. When the ferry museum opens, the entire space can receive visitors,” he said.

       Accompanied by the management company and PPC officials, Tan visited the Bagan Dalam Shipyard on Thursday morning to inspect the ferry under renovation.

       Tan said the museum would be divided into four parts.

       “The lower ground is the engine room which is the heart of the entire museum. Visitors can enter this space to see the ferry engine up close and learn about its operation.

       “Some of the equipment will be on display and explanations will be given by tour guides. Old ferry machinery will also be preserved on this floor, including a petrol storage room and water pipes,” he said.

       The second level, the main deck, will serve as a historical corridor for the museum. The main deck will house an exhibition on the history of the Penang ferry from then to now.

       “A replica of the ferry will be on display here. There is also a photo booth.

       “This floor will also have a cinema showing clips of the Penang ferry service which connects the mainland in Seberang Prai with the island.

       “A classic car show will demontrate the arrangement of cars in the ferry during operations.

       “There is also a gift shop on this floor,” he added.

       The third floor, the upper deck, will be a digital interactive entertainment area.

       “This area will house ferry-related digital exhibitions and interactive games.

       “A neon art exhibition with a Penang ferry motif and glow-in-the-dark displays will be put up here.

       “Several artists from Penang will be involved in these exhibits.

       “In addition, a ferry replica construction workshop will show visitors how to assemble a a replica of the ferry,” he said.

       Finally, the roof of the ferry will be covered by a canvas canopy with seating provided for visitors to rest and enjoy the view.

       “The ferry cockpit will be a cafe selling coffee, ice-cream and snacks.

       “There will be binoculars for visitors to rent and see the sights of Butterworth and George Town.

       “This will be a favourite spot for photographers,” he added.

       This being the first project of its kind in Malaysia, Tan said some hurdles had to be overcome including the granting of a temporary occupation licence, among other matters.

       “According to the management company, the ferry museum will sail from Bagan Dalam to Tanjung City Marina Penang in October and dock in the area.

       “If all follow-up work goes smoothly, it will be at Tanjung City Marina early next year for the public to board,” he said.

       Tan also said he had instructed the management company to complete the work as soon as possible.

       “If there are any problems with government departments, PPC will provide assistance,” he said.