He said the consultation was an important step to take before approval of the tramway scheme is granted, Bernama reported.

Loke said the construction of the tram system must adhere to existing regulations and procedures, but his ministry was ready to help the company, Metro Trem Sdn Bhd, to develop the new transport system in Melaka.

“The public can provide feedback, including both positive and negative impacts as Apad will gather all opinions before making a decision on whether to approve the railway scheme,” he told reporters here.

Apad had announced the proposed tramway system four days ago on its Facebook page.

It said the public could make an inspection of the project’s documents at Apad’s headquarters and at Plaza Melaka Sentral or by visiting the company’s website www.metrotrem.com until March 5.

Objections and feedback on the project must be submitted in writing during the inspection period, Apad said.

The tram project, proposed by Metro Trem, entails construction of 19km-long rail lines on three routes, with 25 stations and stops between Melaka Sentral and the river cruise terminal.

The system will use 5-car train sets running on ground level, with a capacity of 280 passengers. Fares will range from RM2 to RM5.

The company’s website lists three routes for the project: the 5km Hang Tuah line with 10 stops and six road crossings; the 14km Admiral Cheng Ho line with 20 stops and 11 road crossings; and the 6km Melaka Raya line with eight stops and six road crossings.

MRO hub at Melaka airport

Loke said his ministry would also assist the Melaka government to establish an aerospace centre and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul hub at the Melaka airport.

He said the plan would optimise the use of the airport’s facilities as no commercial flights currently operate there.

“The suggestion involves investment by an Italian company, and reuses existing facilities at the airport.”