The group also called on the public to submit their objections to the EIA, on the grounds that the project will have a hugely negative environmental impact.
The EIA report, submitted by Konsortium Pembangunan Tanah Laut (Melaka) Sdn Bhd, involves land reclamation off the coast of Klebang and near Pulau Upeh as part of the development of the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone.
In a statement, Gabungan Selamatkan Pesisir Pantai Melaka cited a number of reasons for its opposition to the project.
Firstly, the group said, the project will have a “major” impact on the marine ecosystem.
“Previous reclamation projects have produced severe pollution, including oil spills from ships. The proposed environmental management plan (EMP) is not sufficient to preserve and conserve the natural treasures that will be destroyed,” it said.
It said the project would also negatively affect fishing areas along the coasts of Klebang and Tanjung Kling, which even the department of fisheries had noted in the EIA report submitted.
Such reclamation projects also make it difficult for rainwater to flow into the sea, which could contribute to more frequent flooding.
The project would also affect the turtle landing at Pulau Upeh, the group said, adding that in the EIA, it was recognised that previous reclamation projects had impacted similar landings.
“Therefore, this project will worsen the situation,” it said. “The project also contradicts the 3rd National Physical Plan (NPP3) which states that land reclamation is not permitted in environmentally sensitive areas, with turtle landing areas classified as Level 1 (in terms of sensitivity).”
Again citing the NPP3, the group said the project did not satisfy the plan’s requirement that land reclamation projects clearly demonstrate significant socio-economic benefits at the state and federal level.
Further, it said, the EIA showed that part of the project overlapped with areas gazetted as protected zones, and failed to take into account the historical value of nearby Pulau Upeh.
“We strongly oppose this land reclamation project,” the group affirmed.
“We urge the department of environment to not approve the EIA report in order to preserve the environment and the interests of local people.”