New route to be built in Melaka to link Malaysia and Indonesia, says state exco

MELAKA: A tunnel or a bridge to link Malaysia and Indonesia via Telok Gong in Masjid Tanah here and Dumai in Sumatra, involving a distance of about 120 kilometres will be developed with the cooperation of the private sector.

Melaka investment, industry, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (pic) said the proposed development would take 20 years and when completed would have a major impact on the economic development of both countries.

"The proposal on the project has been submitted by the private sector and both countries have in principle agreed to a detailed study on the matter.

"On the part of the state government, we have brought all government agencies to visit the area where the proposed new route will be built," he told reporters after an interview on the "Apa Khabar YB” programme with Melakafm here on Thursday (Sept 8)

Ab Rauf said the project, to be built using the concept 'One Belt One Road', would be a new icon for Malaysia and Indonesia.

The project would also involve the construction of various infrastructures including traffic dispersal areas and the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex, he added.

Apart from that, he said, a new industrial site that would house various activities would be developed in stages in Masjid Tanah in an area covering about 2,023 ha.

Development of the area would be carried out by the Melaka Corporation and wass expected to also contribute to the opening of a new town in Masjid Tanah, he added. - Bernama