Melaka to review host of sea reclamation projects

MELAKA: A host of sea reclamation projects here will come under close scrutiny, said Melaka Industry, Trade and Investment Committee chairman Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen.

He said the projects would be re-evaluated, especially on the environmental and social impact caused by coastal developments.

“There are aspects that need to be looked into such as the disruption of the marine food chain due to sediment in the water,” he said at a Ramadan event in Krubong.

Mohd Rafiq said the loss of the coastal ecosystem also has to be considered before decisions are made on these projects.

“We are using a proven mechanism to relook the projects appro­ved by the previous state government, but for now, I can say that many of these past contracts will be annulled,” Mohd Rafiq added.

He said the vast plots of reclai­med land were awaiting development due to a lack of buyers.

“Therefore, we need to see whether it is still viable to carry on with the contracts,” he noted.

He added that fishermen and those affected by the reclamation projects, particularly along the Klebang coast, have also objected to the projects.