Worry over worse flooding in Malacca with yet another reclamation project
Save Our Shores (SOS) Malacca, a coalition of NGOs advocating the preservation of the Malaccan shore, has expressed concern that flooding problems in the state will worsen with yet another planned reclamation project.
The group was referring to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to reclaim a 300-acre near Klebang, a component of the mega reclamation project under the Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ).
It said apart from the various environmental...
Save Our Shores (SOS) Malacca, a coalition of NGOs advocating the preservation of the Malaccan shore, has expressed concern that flooding problems in the state will worsen with yet another planned reclamation project.
The group was referring to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to reclaim a 300-acre near Klebang, a component of the mega reclamation project under the Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (M-WEZ).
It said apart from the various environmental concerns, the worry is that the reclamation will affect river flow to the sea.
"The reclamation project has made it difficult for rainwater to flow to the sea.
"River flow, such has from Sungai Lereh, have been impacted. This is among the reasons why flash floods are happening regularly in Malacca town," the group said in a statement.
SOS Malacca also noted that the proposed reclamation is only around 500m from Pulau Upeh, a sea turtle landing site.
"Pulau Upeh is the only sea turtle landing site in Malacca. the EIA report has stated that previous reclamation projects have impacted the site and this project will surely make things worse.
"The reclamation goes against the Third National Physical Plan (RFN3) which states that reclamation is not allowed in an environmentally sensitive area," it said.
Impact on environment, ecosystem
Furthermore, part of the reclamation site is also in a gazetted national heritage zone.
"Previous reclamation has had a profound impact on the environment and ecosystem.
"The reclamations had brought about severe pollution, including oil spill from ships. The proposed environmental management plan is insufficient to rehabilitate the environmental heritage that will be destroyed," he said.
They also noted that the Fisheries Department had warned the project will lead to permanent loss of marine life habitat, adversely impacting coastal fishing activities.
"Therefore, we strongly object to this reclamation project. We urge the Department of Environment not to approve the EIA report in order to preserve the environment and the interest of the local community," he said.
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