The RM285 million cleaning and beautification project on the Malacca River parcel 2 is expected to be fully completed in June this year.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel said at present the river beautification project, covering a distance of 5.2 kilometres from the Hang Jebat Bridge to Batu Hampar Gate in Malacca, was running smoothly.

“I can see that the project has been implemented well without affecting the nearby areas. So, I’m truly satisfied with the progress,” he told reporters after visiting the project site in Malacca yesterday.

He said the project comprised the construction of pedestrian walk along the river banks, water taxi station, pick-up jetty and beautification of the Melaka Sentral Bridge.

Besides, he said the project also involved cleaning works from the river estuary to Malim Weir, covering a distance of 13.6 kilometres.

Upon completion, Palanivel said the quality of the river water was expected to improve from Class II (water needs incentive treatment) to IIB (water suitable for recreational use).

The project is also expected to increase the number of tourists to Malacca by 50 percent, as well as the value of properties along the river banks, he added.

- Bernama