MELAKA, June 13 — The state government plans to require all companies doing reclamation work, to clean up the river mouths before they develop the reclaimed areas involved, thus preserving the eco-system there and the welfare of fishermen.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the state government would discuss with all the sea reclamation concessionaires in Melaka to deepen the river estuaries which had become shallow due to reclamation work.
He said the discussions to be held soon were to ensure the state’s waters, especially the river mouth areas were not affected by the reclamation work, which in turn could threaten the income of fishermen in the affected areas.
“From our observation, our estuaries have become shallow due to uncontrolled reclamation work. The river mouths, which used to allow the passage of boats, are no longer navigable due to the existence of sand banks,” he told a press conference after chairing a state executive council meeting, here, today.
Meanwhile, Idris said the state government requested that all road-related projects, including federal and state roads be suspended for 13 days from June 20 to July 2 to avoid traffic congestion in the state with the advent of the Hari Raya celebration.
“It is aimed at ensuring comfort for the public who will be returning to their villages to celebrate Aidilfitri,” he said.
Idris also said that all the local authorities in the state were instructed to prepare a special schedule for cleansing work during the festive period.
“The local authorities must maintain the cleanliness of the state at all times in line with the slogan ‘Don’t Mess With Melaka,” he added. — Bernama
