Loke Says No Licence Yet For Proposed Melaka Port

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Approval of a proposal to develop a deep-water port in Melaka depends on the findings of various studies, says the transport minister. (linggi.com.my pic)PETALING JAYA : A licence for a proposed deep-sea port in Melaka hinges on the findings of the relevant studies on the project, including an environmental impact assessment (EIA), transport minister Loke Siew Fook said.
He said the project has yet to receive the green light as it was still at the proposal stage. “The licence can only be granted if all related studies have been carried out, especially the EIA report,” he said at a press conference today.
The developer, Far East (Melaka) Sdn Bhd, was reported to have submitted an EIA report on the project, which will comprise a port and cruise ship terminal covering an area of 1,190 acres, or the size of about 900 football fields.
The company said on its website that the proposed port is part of the proposed Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone.
Yesterday, a letter opposing the project was sent to the department of environment by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong of the DAP, along with several NGOs and residents in the affected area.
They said the project might become another “white elephant” like the Melaka Gateway project.
Khoo also said the new project would destroy important fishing grounds in the state and affect the fishing industry.
On another matter, Loke disputed a claim by Universiti Putra Malaysia lecturer Law Teik Hua that Malaysia’s lack of public transport technical experts was the reason behind frequent disruptions to LRT services.
“Such generalisations should not be made. It is unfair to various parties,” he said.
He said that structural cracks had caused damage to the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations.
Loke said that Phase Two of the Putrajaya MRT line from Putrajaya Sentral to Kwasa Damansara will operate next month. - FMT

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