Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee of the DAP said he understood that the Melaka International Cruise Terminal (MICT) project had to be continued because of the financial implications of cancelling it.

However, the environmental concerns raised by various activists and NGOs must be addressed, he said.

“It (Melaka government) needs to hold townhall sessions with various stakeholders to discuss the matter and make any necessary modifications to the project,” he told FMT.

These stakeholders, he said, included the fishermen and residents who would be affected by the project which involved land reclamation works.

Last week, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the ministry was in discussions with the Melaka government on the need to continue with the MICT project because of the implications of not proceeding with it.

The MICT, one of three seaports under the RM42 billion Melaka Gateway project, had its investment operating licence revoked in the past.

Meanwhile, former state housing, local government and environment executive councillor Tey Kok Kiew lauded the transport ministry for giving the MICT project a second chance, saying the cruise terminal could help boost the state’s economy and tourism sector.

Tey said if the entire Melaka Gateway project was to be revived, the government must meet with all relevant stakeholders.

“The Melaka Gateway is a world-renowned project, so its success or failure will not only affect the image of the developer but also Melaka’s and Malaysia’s,” he said.

The current state government revived the 553ha project in March 2022 after it was cancelled by the previous Pakatan Harapan-led state government in 2020.

Since then, several calls to halt the project have been made by NGOs, activists and politicians, including Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong.

Khoo had said it would affect fishing communities in Bandar Hilir and Duyong as well as the cultural heritage of the Portuguese Settlement.