THE Penang Ferry Museum, located along the scenic Weld Quay waterfront promenade, has welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors since officially opening to the public on Sept 16 last year, underscoring its growing appeal as one of the state’s latest heritage tourism attractions.
Its director Abdul Hadi Abu Osman, said the museum has attracted a diverse range of visitors, including Penangites, domestic tourists from across Malaysia, international travellers, and student groups.
He said many visitors have shared personal stories and emotional connections with the iconic Penang ferry, making the museum experience even more meaningful.
“Throughout our operations, my team and I have had the privilege of meeting visitors who have a deep personal attachment to the Penang ferry.
“One memorable visitor from the United Kingdom recalled the tragic Penang ferry terminal collapse in 1988. He was only 20 years old at the time. After almost four decades, he returned to Penang, visited the museum, and shared his memories of the incident with our team.
“Stories like these inspire us to continue improving the museum and preserving the ferry’s legacy,” he said during a visit by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to the Penang Ferry Museum today.
Abdul Hadi also highlighted the museum’s growing popularity among repeat visitors.
“We had one visitor from Ipoh who visited the museum three times within just five months. Each time, he travelled by bus to Penang, visited the museum, and returned home by bus on the same day.
“This clearly shows that the Penang Ferry Museum has the ability to attract visitors to return time and again,” he said.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man and Ministry of Tourism and Culture (Motac)Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed.
Meanwhile, Chow expressed his admiration after touring the museum and viewing its exhibits, which chronicle the history of the iconic Penang ferry.
“This is truly a commendable initiative. I hope this iconic Penang Ferry Museum, which has already attracted nearly 30,000 visitors in less than a year, will continue to grow as one of the state’s key cultural heritage tourism products.
“Through this museum, visitors can relive the remarkable journey of the Penang ferry, which served as the vital link between the island and the mainland for more than a century.
“It was through this connection that people, goods, and services moved across the channel, contributing significantly to Penang’s economic development,” Chow said.
He also congratulated Abdul Hadi and his team for taking on the challenge of preserving one of the retired ferries, even though it no longer serves as a mode of public transportation.
“Although the ferry is no longer in service, it remains an invaluable part of our heritage. The responsibility of preserving this legacy now rests with Abdul Hadi and his team, and I wish them every success in ensuring that it continues to thrive as a major tourist attraction,” he said.
Chow also encouraged Penangites to participate in the upcoming Penang Ferry Run 2026, which is scheduled to take place on Nov 29.
“It is an exciting event that promotes a healthy lifestyle while celebrating Penang’s rich heritage and history,” he added.
On a separate matter, Chow announced that Fort Cornwallis will reopen at the end of this month following two to three years of restoration works.
“We can promise visitors that Fort Cornwallis will become a highly attractive destination where they can learn about the origins of Tanjung Penaga, which later became known as George Town.
“The official reopening is scheduled for July 25. We also intend to offer free admission for a limited period before ticketing is introduced.
“The reopening does not mark the end of the restoration programme, as additional phases will continue. Nevertheless, the current restoration has already transformed Fort Cornwallis into a much more compelling heritage attraction,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat