A MALACCA-based environment group questioned the validity of the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway megaproject that is to be revived, and asked if there was an environmental impact assessment (EIA) done.

Save Our Seashores Malacca (SOS) also asked if the EIA, if there was one, was approved by the state government.

SOS chairman Martin Theseira said it would be illegal for the project to proceed without a valid EIA.

Theseira wondered how the state government approved the project if no EIA was presented.

“We have been seeking dialogue for the longest time with the state government and developer, but to no avail,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Theseira said former environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said on August 8 last year that Melaka Gateway contractor KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD) had yet to submit its EIA as required by the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

On Monday, however, KAJD executive chairman Daing A. Malek Daing A. Rahaman announced the project was being revived with support from the federal and Malacca governments.

He said the development would resume with building the Melaka International Cruise Terminal.

Daing A. Malek said the international terminal was expected to bring about 3.5 million tourists to Melaka Gateway every year.

Theseira, who is also Save Portuguese Community Action chairman, said SOS would discuss legal action with Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong on September 23.

“We are not ruling out taking legal action against the developer for not producing an EIA, as well as the Malacca government for allowing the project.

“We will seek advice and look into engaging an environmental lawyer on this issue.”

Theseira said the project posed adverse environmental effects on the Portuguese settlement, whose residents are mainly fishermen.

He said at least 1,200 families, including that of 150 fishermen, were affected by the project.

Seeking minister’s help

Theseira said in April, SOS submitted a memorandum to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Among the proposals it put forth were a moratorium on all approvals of EIAs for reclamation projects until environmental audits are complete.

“Conduct an environmental audit as provided under section 33A(1) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to review the latest levels of pollution in the areas of reclamation projects in the state of Malacca and suggest mitigation measures,” was a demand in the memorandum.

SOS said the Environment Department should increase monitoring and enforcement of previous reclamation projects based on EIAs and the proposed Pollution Prevention and Mitigation Measures.

“Conduct engagement sessions and further discussions with stakeholders … to identify appropriate mitigation measures and solutions.

“Ensure the EIA is widely communicated, especially to local residents and elected representatives. All EIAs must be uploaded to the website and should be downloadable by readers,” said the memorandum. – September 16, 2023.