KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Efforts are being taken to revive the collapsed multi-million ringgit international tuna port in Batu Maung, Penang.

The Malay Mail was informed that a leading property developer, based in Subang Jaya, has been in talks with the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries (MoA) and the initial concessionaire holders, Malaysian International Tuna Port Sdn Bhd (MITP).

The extent of the company’s involvement in the project however, remains unclear.

LKIM director-general Datuk Mohat Kazim Hamzah confirmed the matter, but remained tight-lipped over the details, saying it was still a “secret”.

“It is a government matter. LKIM is eager to continue the tuna port project with a new company,” said Mohat.

“Once everything is sorted out and agreed upon, we will make the announcement.”

Mohat, however, declined to comment on LKIM’s failure to acquire the sub-lease of the land, as stated in the concession agreement with MITP signed in 2004. 

This was highlighted in The Malay Mail on Tuesday, after documents and correspondences showed LKIM only took steps to obtain the lease of the lands in question in 2007.

Checks with the Penang land office revealed both parcels of land, referred as Lot 8778 and 8779 in the agreement, belonged to the federal government.

The bigger parcel (Lot 8778) was sub-leased to Lembaga Letrik Negara from May 1, 1982 for 30 years. The lease expired in April last year.

The other parcel was leased to LKIM from Dec 16, 2004 for 30 years instead of 32 as stated in the agreement.

MITP director Datuk Annuar Zaini Binyamin confirmed he was approached by the property developer three times since last year.

“It was during the second and third meetings that he made the offers. He wanted me to forgo my rights in MITP. I declined his offer on both occasions,” said Annuar.

The property group has developed several properties in Subang and Klang, mostly apartment suites, commercial centres and a transportation hub.

Efforts to get comments from the company since Wednesday proved futile.