PARIT BUNTAR, The National Archives (ANM) is open to collaborating with film producers interested in adapting the 1972 Sungai Kerian ferry disaster into a feature film.

ANM director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman, however, said that any film based on the tragedy must accurately reflect the true story.

‘We are keen to collaborate, but it’s essential for filmmakers to consult authentic sources or materials before starting production.

‘There have been previous productions that misrepresented the events, and we want to ensure this does not happen again,’ he said after attending a session to retrace the Sungai Kerian ferry tragedy at Dewan Merdeka here today.

It was attended by 150 guests including federal and state officials, community leaders and local residents.

The ferry disaster, which took place on Sept 13, 1972, claimed 27 lives, including students from Sekolah Rendah Methodist and Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SMJKC) Kerian in Parit Buntar, who were commuting from Bandar Baharu on
the Kedah side of the river.

The incident was triggered by heavy rain, which caused rapid river currents that broke the ferry’s cable linking the banks of Sungai Kerian on the Perak side (Parit Buntar) and Kedah (Bandar Baharu).

Jaafar Sidek also urged more witnesses or survivors to contact ANM to provide additional information about the tragedy.

‘We believe there are still survivors or witnesses with clear memories of the incident. We encourage them to share their information, whether through oral accounts, writings or other means.

‘Today’s session allows us to share experiences with those who lived through the tragedy, and documenting these experiences is crucial for researchers and future generations,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency