Royal-linked sea reclamation project in Muar obtains EIA approval

 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Maharani Energy Gateway project off the coast of Muar, Johor has been approved.

A Department of Environment officer, who spoke to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, said the approval was granted on Aug 25.

The report was made available for public scrutiny and feedback between Feb 14 and March 30 this year.

During the Johor legislative assembly election in March, some Pakatan Harapan leaders claimed that the massive project would cause environmental damage and affect the livelihood of Muar's fisherfolk.

The main investor in the Maharani project is Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar with a 38.5 percent effective stake.

The approval process for the project moved swiftly when the state was helmed by Hasni Mohammad, who, among other measures, modified the Johor Structure Plan 2030 to accommodate the reclamation project.

On June 21 last year, less than three months after Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd (MEGSB) was set up, the Muar Land Office wrote to the royalty-owned D Marine Industries Sdn Bhd informing that it has been granted the 1,295ha of sea-land needed for the reclamation.

The ruler's two business partners in MEGSB are only in their 20s.

According to the EIA report, the mangrove forests in the vicinity are expected to be severely affected by the project.

The EIA report also warned that traditional fishing grounds would be affected, which could lead to conflicts with fisherfolk. - Mkini