Stop irresponsible statements on link to Indonesia, says Kota Melaka MP

 

Khoo Poay Tiong says the Melaka government must provide full details and engage with stakeholders if it is serious about the proposal to build a bridge or tunnel to Dumai in Sumatra.

PETALING JAYA: Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong has called on a state executive councillor to stop making “incomplete and irresponsible” announcements on a purported route linking Malaysia and Indonesia.

Melaka investment, industry, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh said yesterday a proposal has been received for a 120km link between the two countries, via Telok Gong in Masjid Tanah, Melaka, and Dumai in Sumatra.

In a Bernama report, he said the proposed development, which would involve the construction of a tunnel or bridge, would take 20 years, adding that “both countries have in principle agreed to a detailed study of the matter”.

Khoo said that if the state government is indeed serious in pursuing such a project, it is incumbent upon them to provide the full details and engage with stakeholders.

In a statement he noted that Rauf had also announced a 47km undersea railway tunnel linking Melaka and Dumai in March.

He said the state government must first disclose whether a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis has been done for the project, and that Rauf should stop making “generalised claims” that the proposed link will be economically beneficial for the country without proper facts and analysis.

“Rauf and the state government should stop making ad hoc, inconsistent and incomplete announcements on the project,” he said.

“Such vague announcements are highly irresponsible. They create doubt and confusion among the public and investors, and tarnish the state government’s credibility.”

Khoo also called on the federal government to state its stance on the matter as it would be a major public infrastructure project involving cross-border cooperation with another country.

In the interest of transparency, he said, Rauf should disclose the name and details of the company involved in the proposed project, including its credentials and financial capabilities to undertake such a massive undertaking.

“No private company would undertake such a project out of charity,” he said.

“What are the terms of the concessionaire and in what ways would the people or government be made to pay for the project?

“The public and investors have reacted cynically towards the announcement of this project. Let’s not forget that Melaka has had its fair share of white elephant and abandoned projects.” - FMT