Penang ferries a national icon, say experts

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang state government’s George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) says the island’s cross-channel ferries, more than a century old, bring more value to the state's listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Commenting on the possibility that the iconic ferries may have their operations scrapped, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said that the ferries bring intrinsic value to the definition of heritage here. 

“I hope people can look at the ferry not as an old vehicle but as part of our heritage. It is not just George Town’s heritage but it is a national heritage. They give meaning to a lot of people and riders. It is the experience itself, from waiting to boarding and the smell of the salty air as they cruise from either the island or Butterworth. 

“I think that the value is irreplaceable. Therefore I ask for people to see that this is not just an old ferry, but a national heritage. As a heritage professional, I see huge potential. But we also know that it is expensive, and we must also be able to empathise with Penang Port – it is not easy!” she said.

Ang, who is in the Unesco Global Network of Facilitators on Intangible Cultural Heritage, said that the ferries that enter the core zone added value to the experience of coming to the heritage site here.

Penang History and Malay Civilisation Association President Datuk Abdul Kader Md Ali said that the decision to terminate the ferry for cars was not discussed with other non-governmental organisations in the state, and added that he hopes the service will continue.

“We are not rejecting any development or reforms. But we want to maintain Penang’s identity because the ferry is one of its famed symbols. This type of ferry is only available in two places: Hong Kong and Penang. The ferry is a tourist attraction also used by the local community for commuting.

“If you compare ours with other ferries like the one in Lumut or the one travelling to Langkawi, you will see that the passenger boat is fully covered. There is no fresh air or enjoyment for those who ride those ferries.

“We need to view these ferries as unique vehicles. It is possible to modify the insides to make them look modern. At one time, the ferry was booked for a cruise where a feast was held. Even before the first Penang bridge was built, these ferries carried lorries and busses from the mainland to Penang. They even carried containers!

“When we talk about heritage, Penang is rich with ‘landed heritage’. There are allocated provisions to maintain and strengthen these historical buildings. However, we must remember that heritage does not only comprise what is on land. What about the sea? Do we just ignore it?

“In 1982, there was a proposal for water taxis to be used as transportation. 

“However, it was not approved as the risk was high. It was quite a robust system where one can take the taxi from Butterworth to Tanjung Bungah at the northern part of the island, and even to Bayan Lepas at the southern part of the island,” he said. 

“After much research, it was found that the method of transportation was not viable as the waves can be too dangerous at certain times. Also, having water taxis will clutter the area for big ships that come along the strait.

“So far, there has never been an accident when the ferry is at sea – only at the terminal once as standard operating procedures were not followed. If you want to revert to just using the bridge, there is nothing unique about it. Every country has a bridge. The ferry contributes to the tourism industry and history,” he added.

The ferry service that began sometime between 1893 and 1894 was reportedly initiated by entrepreneur Quah Beng Kee along with his four brothers, forming a company named Beng Brothers.

It did not look like what it does today. 

The one in use today had its prototype, named “Penang”, delivered in May 1957. 

Even though the Penang bridge was completed in 1985, the ferry is still a lifeline for many who commute to and fro between Butterworth and George Town. – The Vibes, December 23, 2020