THE proposed development of a shipyard costing more than RM2 billion in Tanjung Bruas, Malacca, is expected to yield high economic returns and create over 3,000 jobs for the locals.

Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said the jobs would comprise unskilled, skilled and high-skilled categories, especially in the shipping industry.

“About 90,000 ships pass through Malacca waters annually and the shipyard’s development will raise Malacca’s status as a maritime centre in the eyes of the world,” he told reporters in Malacca last night after a breaking-of-fast event, which was attended by about 1,000 people.

“The state government will provide support on making Malacca an international maritime hub.”

Rauf said the proposed shipyard to undertake shipbuilding and ship repair works is also expected to stimulate further maritime activities, especially in the Tanjung Bruas Port area.

He said the project’s implementation should be realised within a year of the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on April 13.

It was reported that property developer LBS Bina Group Bhd, through indirect subsidiary Leaptec Engineering Sdn Bhd, inked an MOU with Turkey-based shipyard solution provider Desan Deniz Ins San AS to explore the feasibility of developing a shipyard on 485.62ha of reclaimed land in Malacca.

Rauf witnessed the signing of the MOU at Desan’s head office in Istanbul. – Bernama, April 15, 2023.