21 Injured in Passenger Ferry Collision with Ship Near Penang Terminal

BUTTERWORTH, Sept 1 — Twenty-one people were injured tonight after a ship collided with a Penang passenger ferry near the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (PSAH).

Penang Port Commission (PPC) Chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin confirmed that the collision between the passenger ferry Teluk Bahang and the cargo vessel MV Mekar Jaya occurred within the Penang Port limits at 8:40 pm. Initial reports indicate that the MV Mekar Jaya was en route from the Butterworth Deep Water Wharves (BDWW) to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) when it struck the ferry, which was heading toward PSAH.

“All injured passengers have been taken to hospital for treatment. No victims remain at PSAH. Ferry operations are running as usual and have not been affected by the incident,” Yeoh said in a statement tonight.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operations and fire division assistant director John Sagun Francis stated that an emergency call was received at 9:58 pm, prompting an immediate response from the Butterworth Fire and Rescue Station. Emergency responders confirmed a total of 92 individuals, including passengers, were involved in the accident. Fire officials noted that six of the victims suffered severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Footage circulating on social media showed several motorcycles overturned on the ferry’s lower deck following the impact.

–NMT