THE Malacca government must provide full details of its proposed rail tunnel linking the state and Dumai in Indonesia, DAP lawmaker Khoo Poay Tiong said today.

According to the Kota Melaka MP, the state must also engage with stakeholders transparently if it is serious in pursuing the project.

He added that Malacca exco for investment, industry, entrepreneur development and co-operatives, Ab Rauf Yusoh should stop making ad hoc and inconsistent announcements.

“Vague announcements are highly irresponsible. It creates doubt and confusion among the public and investors, and tarnishes the state government’s credibility.

“In the first place, the state government must disclose if a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis has been carried out for the project.

“Rauf should stop making generalised claims that the proposed bridge will be economically beneficial for the country without proper facts and analysis,” Khoo said.

Yesterday, Rauf said a new route to link Malaysia and Indonesia, via Telok Gong in Masjid Tanah and Dumai in Sumatra, over a distance of about 120km will be developed with the co-operation of the private sector.

He added the proposed development, which would involve the construction of a tunnel or bridge, would take 20 years and, when completed, would have a major impact on the economic development of both countries.

Citing an article from Jakarta Post last year, Khoo said a feasibility test for a similar project was carried out more than a decade ago, with the cost estimated to be more than RM52 billion.

He added the report concluded that the project would cause major environment damage and navigational hazards including congestion for ships in the Malacca straights.

Khoo stressed that the federal government should also state its position and views on this project.

“Rauf should disclose the name and details of the company involved in this project, including its credentials and financial capabilities to undertake such a massive project.

“No private company would undertake such a project out of charity. What are the terms and how will the people or government be made to pay for the project?

“Let us not forget that Malacca has had its fair share of white elephant and abandoned projects, such as the monorail, Pulau Melaka reclaimed island, and unsustainable shopping malls,” he said. – September 9, 2022.