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"It is understood that the new project by the China’s Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) joint venture, which is situated near the second link crossing to Singapore, will also become a new tourism hub.
Previous reports have indicated that the Johor government might also consider creating Malaysia’s biggest duty-free zone in this reclaimed land area, leveraging on its proximity to Singapore."
Related media reports on this reclamation
- Malaysia: Johor building stadium on man-made island "located between Singapore and Johor" mohd farhaan shah The Star 7 May 14;
- Singapore “concerned” about impact of Malaysia's reclamation works Channel NewsAsia 21 Jun 14;
- 'Federal Govt to deal with Singapore’s concerns' about reclamation in Johor Strait New Straits Times 23 Jun 14;
- Johor reclamation works stopped New Straits Times 24 Jun 14;
- Malaysia: 'Forest City' developer asked to submit DEIA report The Star 28 Jun 14;
Impact on Malaysian shores?
Save our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia says: "The approval of this plan means that Malaysia’s largest intertidal seagrass meadow measuring 1.8km in length covering over 38ha will be permanently buried. Being the largest seagrass ecosystem in the country, it harbours a unique biodiversity and the densest seahorse population in Malaysia.
Local fishermen depend heavily on the seagrass meadow to support their livelihood. Removal of this unique area will have an adverse impact on the environment as well as those who depend on it.
We urge for the reconsideration of the massive reclamation project for the sake of the great diversity of marine life, livelihood of the locals and survival of the Merambong seagrass meadow, Malaysia’s largest intertidal seagrass treasure."
Early signs of impact of reclamation?
In Feb, mass fish deaths was reported in the area.
State-owned Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Bhd denied the mass fish death was caused by the nearby reclamation works.
KPRJ executive vice-chairman Datuk Md Othman Yusof said the project, which began on Jan 22, had followed all regulations set by the DOE and that the department would conduct checks from time to time to ensure they (the developers) stick to regulations."
Media reports on the Feb 2014 mass fish deaths in South Johor Strait
- Malaysia: Mass death of fish hits Johor fishermen Yee Xiang Yun The Star 13 Feb 14;
- Malaysia: Johor State Government investigating cause of fish deaths kathleen ann kili The Star 16 Feb 14;
- Malaysia: ‘Red tide’ phenomenon believed to be cause of mass fish deaths - Department of Environment The Star 17 Feb 14;
The area is just opposite Western Water Catchment Area, which is one of the last large undeveloped mangrove, coastal and wetland sites in Singapore. The Western Water Catchment includes four reservoirs, Tengeh Reservoir, Poyan Reservoir, Murai Reservoir and Sarimbun Reservoir. The Western Water Catchment is also a live-firing area and used by the Singapore Armed Forces for training purposes.
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But Singapore itself has been conducting even more massive reclamation at Tuas for a long long time, and will eventually be a mega container port.
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| Photo from Dredging Today. |
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