ALOR GAJAH, Dec 11: Melaka has proposed the construction of a bridge connecting Indonesia and Melaka over the Straits of Melaka via Pengkalan Balak near here.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the mega project proposal is expected to be presented to the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) in January for further scrutiny before the matter is brought up with Indonesia.
“The distance between these two locations is only 47.7 kilometres or around 40 minutes, thus becoming the closest point between the two countries. The state government has also spent around RM500,000 on a consulting company to study the effectiveness and capability of this bridge to change the economic landscape and regional mobility,” he told reporters after officiating EP Manufacturing Berhad’s Second Factory and the First Assembly Production of GWM MPV WEY G9 at the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Estate here today.
He also said the state government also plans to acquire 5,000 hectares of land in Masjid Tanah to be turned into a new industrial zone that can attract various domestic and international investors.
He added that the existence of the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP) in the nearby area is also expected to act as an additional catalyst, supporting the development of the bridge and strengthening the blue economy sector in Melaka.
“The blue economy in Masjid Tanah is expected to provide the best returns to the state and national governments, including job opportunities for locals,” he said.
–BERNAMA