Save our Seashores Melaka (SOS Melaka) expressed disappointment with Loke’s announcement, saying he had not considered the numerous objections raised by residents and NGOs in the past nine years since the project first started.
The MICT involves reclamation works under the Melaka Gateway project, a mixed development that was supposed to be on four artificial islands with residential, commercial, cultural, entertainment and lifestyle elements.
The group denied Loke’s claim that the MICT was almost complete, saying there had been little progress with the Melaka Gateway project since it was reinstated by the Barisan Nasional state government in March 2022.
It said the Melaka Gateway project, as a whole, would cause major pollution to the surrounding areas, especially the seafront of the Portuguese settlement.
“Since the project started, the settlement’s seafront has been filled with thick mud and an unpleasant odour. The jetty is no longer accessible to fishing boats and there is little sign of marine life.
“The mudbank has disrupted the water flow in a nearby drainage, thus increasing the risk of flooding.
“Instead of supporting the developer to complete the reclamation project, the minister should ensure they resolve the existing pollution before allowing further activities in the area,” it said in a statement today.
SOS Melaka also said that in August last year, the then environment minister said no environmental impact assessment (EIA) report had been approved for Melaka Gateway, adding that the developer and state government has yet to respond to this.
“It is, therefore, shocking that a cruise terminal licence could be considered without resolving the EIA issue beforehand,” it said.
It also said the state had approved two other cruise terminals in Melaka, both within the vicinity of Melaka town, and questioned whether there was a need for another.
The group said it was not against developing Melaka but maintained that any development must be carried out in a sustainable manner.
“We hope the minister will take a different approach and consult local residents before making any decision. We urge the minister to conduct a site visit and engage with local residents,” it said.
On Sunday, Loke said the MICT project’s investment operating licence had been revoked previously because of several issues, though the project was almost complete.
He said the ministry had received an application from the Melaka Gateway developer to revive the cruise terminal project, adding that there would be various negative implications if it was discontinued.