GEORGE TOWN, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- The investigation into the collision between the Teluk Bahang Ferry and the cargo vessel MV Mekar Jaya in the waters of Penang Port on Sept 1 is in its final stages.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the final investigation report is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) this month once the investigation process is completed.
“The probe has reached the final stage. We will submit (the final report) to the MOT as soon as the investigation is completed,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Keretapi Sarong George Town event at the Penang Ferry Museum here today.
Asked whether the cause of the collision had been identified, Yeoh said the matter would be announced later.
Previously, Yeoh said a Joint Investigation Committee comprising the Northern Region of the Marine Department Malaysia (JLM), PPC and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) had been set up to conduct a thorough probe of the incident.
The committee is tasked with identifying the cause of the collision and parties involved, as well as reviewing and proposing improvements to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The incident occurred at 8.40 pm on Sept 1 when the Teluk Bahang Ferry, which was heading towards Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (PSAH), collided with MV Mekar Jaya in the waters of Penang Port.
MV Mekar Jaya was travelling from Air Dalam Jetty in Butterworth to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal when the collision occurred. Twenty-one passengers were initially reported injured.
Meanwhile, Yeoh, who is also Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman, said no restrictions had so far been imposed on outdoor tourism activities following the haze situation.
“So far, no restrictions. We are constantly monitoring the current situation and if the air quality reaches a hazardous level, the programmes may be postponed. We will comply with all advice and directives issued by the Department of Environment (DOE),” he said.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), all four monitoring stations in Penang recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of noon today, with Minden recording 167, Balik Pulau 164, Seberang Jaya 162 and Seberang Perai 160.
– BERNAMA