PPC orders probe into Teluk Bahang ferry collision

The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has initiated an independent investigation into the collision between a Teluk Bahang ferry and a cargo vessel MV Mekar Jaya, which occurred last night and injured 21 individuals. PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin announced the team consisting of the commission and the ferry operator would undertake a thorough and impartial examination of the incident.

The results of the investigation will be made available to the public. Yeoh emphasized that the commission would not hesitate to address any issues discovered and will implement follow-up actions based on the investigation findings. The collision took place at 8:40 PM when the Teluk Bahang ferry, en route from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim, collided with the cargo vessel within Penang Port limits.

The impact resulted in several motorcycles on the ferry overturning and several passengers being injured. Yeoh expressed that he promptly traveled to Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim after the incident to assess the situation and collect an initial report, before visiting the victims at the hospital. Preliminary reports indicate that 21 people were injured, all of whom have been taken to the hospital for further medical attention.

The PPC has directed the relevant parties to gather information immediately and assist with compensation arrangements for the victims. In addition, the ferry operator has been instructed to review its operating procedures and safety mechanisms. Follow-up measures, including preventive actions to avoid a recurrence, will be determined based on the outcome of the investigation.

The PPC will collaborate with Penang Port Sdn Bhd and relevant agencies to ensure the implementation of these follow-up measures and to maintain ferry services as usual following the incident.