MALACCA - A company which was carrying out a hunt for a multi-billion ringgit treasure belonging to the Malacca Sultanate on Pulau Nangka off the state, has failed to find any as its contract ended.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the four-month contract given to Smart Partnership International (M) Sdn Bhd ended on Wednesday.

On Thursday (May 1), the task would be continued by another firm, he said, Bernama reported, according to Malaysian Insider.

However, he said the new company would carry out its search in another area on the island, and would not continue the search at the same site.

"Actually, the search for the treasure on the island by numerous parties has been carried out since 25 years ago but to date, it has not been found," Mr Idris said on Thursday.

On Monday, state public works, public utilities, transport and project rehabilitation committee chairman Datuk Abdul Ghafaar Atan said work to drill through a rock wall, believed to be a door leading to the treasure chamber, was expected to be fully completed on Thursday.

Mr Idris said the state government planned to turn Pulau Nangka into a tourist attraction if the fabled treasure was found.