Beautiful memories of Penang's iconic ferries for state's first CM's daughter

By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 23  -- Penang’s ferry service which has become an iconic attraction for domestic and international tourists will remain a distant memory if the service is discontinued.

That is the sentiment of Cecilia Wong, 78, daughter of Penang’s first Chief Minister Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee  who was the guest of honour at the launch of two ferries connecting the mainland and island, in Hong Kong in 1958.

Cecillia, who was 16 years old at the time, had followed her father to Hong Kong for the launching of the ferries built by a company there.

"I don’t remember the month but at that time, my stepmother (Puan Seri Law Siew Kim, 89) was pregnant with my younger twin brothers, so as the eldest child, my father brought me along in place of my mother to the launch.

“In Hong Kong, my father and I were taken to the shipyard where the ferries were built and subsequently to the launching ceremony at a port there where we were taken on a ferry ride. The two ferries launched were named Pulau Langkawi and Pulau Tioman. I’m not sure if both ferries are still around,” she told Bernama, here, today.

Cecillia, a retired teacher, said the two ferries then sailed back to Penang while she and her father returned by plane. She and her family who were then living in Bukit Mertajam, near here, always took the ferry to the island.

She said taking the ferry had been a memorable experience and she hoped the service would not be stopped and that the relevant parties, especially the government, could help ensure its continued operations in Penang.

"These ferries are only available in Penang and Hong Kong, so I really hope they can be maintained. But if they incur high maintenance costs, perhaps some relevant parties can help channel funds.

"The ferries are not only used by the public but are also a tourist attraction. However, if maintaining them is not possible due to the high cost, perhaps they can be used as a floating restaurant, museum or for packages to tour the state's waters as suggested by some parties before," she said.

She is hopeful that the 124-year-old ferry service could continue for the use of all vehicles as it was first introduced for the public not only for commuting between the island and mainland but also for sightseeing.

"Even now, when I have free time I will take the ferry because I can enjoy the beautiful scenery and sea breeze," she said.

She believes the government has plans for the ferry service but any decision made should take into account its history and importance to all, especially its users.

The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) had previously announced that the ferry service would be replaced by high-speed passenger boats starting Jan 1, and the existing ferry service would only be used for those using bicycles and motorcycles.

However, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had in the Dewan Rakyat recently said that Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) would be required to continue the ferry service which has become the state’s icon and heritage.

-- BERNAMA