Melaka’s land reclamation projects being scrutinised

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 16): The Melaka authorities want to review land reclamation projects along the state’s shoreline.

Chief Minister Adly Zahari revealed that the previous state government issued freehold titles before reclamations were completed, The Star reported today.

“We are facing problems now because some parts of the sea have yet to be reclaimed but land ownership has already been granted,” Adly said in his reply to a question by Gue Teck (PKR-Klebang) at the state assembly today.

Adly added that this should not have happened.

The Melaka chief minister also said that 49 companies had been given contracts for reclamation projects involving about 3,923ha while applications of another 18 firms for reclamations were still waiting for approvals, The Star reported.
Adly said his government was also studying the impact of land reclamation on river passages and drainage systems as there are concerns over flash floods in Melaka city during heavy rains, reported the English daily.

He also revealed that land was supposed to be given a 99-year lease but the former state government gave away freehold titles.

“Now, it’s hard for the (current) state government to change the status because that will involve legal procedures.”