KUALA LUMPUR – 26 bodies comprising environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and concerned groups have expressed their objections, calling for the cancellation of a proposed project involving a 481.5ha-sized deep-sea port and an international cruise terminal off the coast of Arai, Melaka citing ecological concerns.
“Melaka’s coastline is a rich biodiversity area that plays an important role in the local ecosystem and food chain.
“The coast is also a key turtle landing area, including for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle,” the bodies said in a statement, today.
The reclamation project, it said, is among the largest in Malaysia and would inevitably destroy the natural environment along Melaka’s coast.
“The site of the proposed project is an Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA), consisting of the main fishing zone, mangroves, and a gazetted marine park (Pulau Besar).
“Additionally, the reclamation project is part of the bigger Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (MWEZ) plan that seeks to reclaim 10,117ha of land across 33km of the entire Melaka coastline.”
“Such reclamation projects are often promoted in the name of ‘development’, but past experiences have shown that they are unsustainable.”
The bodies cited the Melaka Gateway project that was launched in 2014 which promised to bring in RM43 billion in investments and create 15,000 jobs.
“However, today, the project has largely been abandoned while leaving major pollution in the vicinity.
“The proposal to build a new deep sea port is illogical as Melaka already has two existing ports, which are the Tg Bruas Port and Kuala Linggi International Port.
“On the other hand, there are also other major ports along the Melaka Straits, such as Port Klang and Singapore Port.
The prime minister recently launched the Malaysia Madani vision, which included sustainability (kemampanan) as one of the key pillars in the country’s development.
“As such, we urge all parties to reassess mega projects and cancel this 1,190-acre reclamation project that does not prioritise the interest of the people and environment.”
The statement was endorsed by Gabungan Selamatkan Pesisir Pantai Melaka (S.O.S. Melaka), Agora Society Malaysia, Bahagian Belia Dewan Perhimpunan China Melaka (Belia DPCM), Bendahari, BHES/MHS 1962-1974 Old Boys, Forum Kedaulatan Makanan Malaysia (FKMM), Global Human Right Foundation Malaysia, GRASS Malaysia, Jaringan Ekologi Dan Iklim (Jedi), Kelab Kasiredah Tranquerah, Malacca Portuguese-Eurasian Association, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet), Mataburung.com, Melaka In Fact, Melaka Public Policy Club, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Penjejak Kurniaan Purba, People Like Us Support Ourselves (PLUsos), Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA), Persatuan Amal Kemanusiaan Malaysia, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka), Pertubuhan Rangkaian Pembangunan Kesinambungan Malaysia (Susden Malaysia), Save Malacca Portuguese Community Action Committee, Sungai Project, and Treat Every Environment Special (Trees). – The Vibes, February 1, 2023
