MELAKA – The state government has given its assurance that the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (M-Wez) project will not affect the locals, especially the Kg Portugis community.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the 10,000ha development in the western region of the state will not affect the people, but instead strengthen their socio-economy.
Several studies involving the new economic corridor project have been performed, including an environmental impact assessment, he added.
“We take into account all aspects of the studies that have been implemented, and there is no need to worry as this development will not leave a negative impact.
“This planned development aims to strengthen the socio-economy of the next generation, and we will try to improve this,” he told Getaran.
Sulaiman said the project is a platform that will restore the glory of Melaka as an economic centre, as it was 700 years ago.
On Wednesday, The Vibes reported that Melaka’s Portuguese community are protesting against the megadevelopment, which is expected to reclaim 33km of seafront from Umbai to Sg Udang.
Save Portuguese Community Action Committee president Martin Theseira believes M-Wez will have a devastating impact on the group’s way of life.
Aside from being a threat to the community, he said M-Wez will also jeopardise the state’s cultural and historical value.
Among the projects to be developed under M-Wez are a cargo and container port, free-trade zone, ship-to-ship transfer services, maritime activities, the Pulau Upeh holiday resort, a customs, immigration and quarantine complex, biodiesel storage warehouse, as well as hotels, offices and houses.
Coined the “Big Move”, the completion of M-Wez will take 15 years, with the zone described as Malaysia’s version of Australia’s Gold Coast.
M-Wez chief executive Mohd Yusof Abu Bakar told an editors’ briefing last month that the project is expected to attract RM100 billion in total investment and contribute 5% to Melaka’s gross domestic product.
“The master plan will be ready by June or July, and we expect the project to kick off thereafter.
“But land reclamation is already under way, with almost 1,620ha already reclaimed.”
Some 40 concessionaires are involved in the reclamation, he added.
He claimed that the project adheres to all the requirements and procedures to undertake the reclamation works, including obtaining approval from the Environment Department. – The Vibes, April 17, 2021
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