The proposed RM43 billion Melaka Gateway project had called for the reclamation of three islands with a deep-sea port and cruise terminal, condominiums and theme parks.
The Portuguese settlement in Ujong Pasir had previously complained of stagnant pools of polluted water, frequent flash floods and heavier siltation in the area as a result of three new islands being developed under the project.Meenakshi said dredging was not the solution to this issue, as digging up more sand only posed environmentally damaging effects and required an environmental impact assessment to be conducted.
Although these would only be temporary measures, Meenakshi said, it was important to address the livelihoods of people living along the coastline, particularly fishermen, who were always the first to suffer from reclamation projects. A Melaka-based developer, who asked to remain anonymous, agreed, saying Melaka was over-saturated with development projects that rarely met local demands.
Khoo suggested for the state to invest in more sustainable development focusing on improving the environment and people’s wellbeing.
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