RM100 bil ‘Big Move’ to reclaim 33km of coastline for M-Wez

KUALA LUMPUR – The RM100 billion Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone, or M-Wez, touted to be an international hub for port activities, trade, maritime, and tourism in the region, will involve land reclamation as long as 33km from Umbai to Sg Udang.

Coined the “Big Move”, the completion of M-Wez, which spans 25,000 acres (10,117ha) will take 15 years, with the zone described as Malaysia’s version of Australia’s Gold Coast.

It will be officially launched by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali tomorrow.

M-Wez chief executive officer Mohd Yusof Abu Bakar said at an editors’ briefing that the project is expected to attract a total investment of RM100 billion and contribute 5% of the state’s gross domestic product.

“The project will also create 10,000 new job opportunities for the state,” he said. “The masterplan will be ready by June or July and we expect the project to kick off thereafter.

“But land reclamation works are already underway with 4,000 acres already reclaimed,” he said, adding that some 40 concessionaires are involved in the reclamation.

“We have adhered to all requirements and procedures to undertake these reclamation works, including obtaining approval from the Environment Department.”

The project is one of the development projects under Melaka’s comprehensive development plan comprising short, medium, and long-term plans for 2020 to 2035.

It gives a breath of fresh air to the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway coastal reclamation project which in February had failed to get the court to review the state government’s decision to cancel the development.

The state government had late last year terminated its three-year concession for land reclamation of islands that would form the foundation of the project. 

The development of Melaka Gateway hinged on the construction of a mega port, a cruise terminal, and a free trade economic zone, among others.

Datuk Azmar Talib, a member of the project’s advisory board, said M-Wez is a state government project involving a consortium of concession holders. 

“What makes us confident of its success is the fact we have proper planning to develop Melaka’s waterfront, which is a rare commodity,” he said.

“Prior to this, its development was sporadic and not one of concerted effort.

“Already there are serious and potential investors interested to be part of the project. They are from the European Union like Germany, the United States, and China,” he added. 

Among the projects that will be developed at M-Wez are the cargo and container port, ship-to-ship transfer services, the free trade zone, maritime activities, Pulau Upeh holiday resort, the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, a biodiesel storage warehouse, hotels, offices, and houses.

“We want to transform Melaka into an important state for maritime innovation as well as strengthen the state’s tourism industry, cultural, and digital sectors,” said Azmar. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021