The Malacca state government has instructed the developer of the Malacca Gateway project to hold a discussion with residents of Kampung Portugis to resolve whatever issues arising in relation to the implementation of the project.

Chief Minister Adly Zahari said the discussion was important as it could help address the implications faced by the villagers from the implementation of the project, including the land reclamation activities which had allegedly failed to comply with the recommendations of the Macro Environmental Impact Assessment report.

“I have received a memo from the villagers and there are a few issues, therefore, a discussion on the matter must be held,” he told a press conference today.

He said this after the signing of an MOU between the state government and Rohas Tecnic Berhad to upgrade the Anjung Batu jetty here at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh.

Adly signed on behalf of the Malacca government while Rohas Tecnic Berhad was represented by its chairperson Azmi Wan Hamzah.

Yesterday, the media reported that over 200 villagers from Kampung Portugis staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the developer KAJ Development Sdn Bhd’s office to protest against the land reclamation activities for the RM43 billion Malacca Gateway project.

Adly said a special committee would also be set up to monitor the implementation of the project, comprising state industry, investment and trade committee chairperson Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen; state works, transport and public facilities committee chairperson Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab; the state economic planning unit and the state legal adviser.

- Bernama