Piling Works For MICT Project Reach 56 Pct

MELAKA, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Piling works for the Melaka International Cruise Terminal (MICT) project on Pulau Melaka here have reached 56 per cent completion, with 170 piles installed as of Oct 3.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the remaining 134 piles are expected to be installed by mid-November, and the MICT project development comprises several key components, including an L-shaped jetty, a T-shaped jetty, and a Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

"For the 'L'-shaped jetty component, the developer aims to complete construction by the end of next year before operations commence in early 2028, while the 'T'-shaped jetty and the CIQ Complex are expected to be completed in 2029.

"The development of the MICT jetty holds immense potential for Melaka as it directly aligns with the state's strengths as a tourism destination, particularly in expanding the international cruise tourism market," he told reporters at Pulau Melaka here today.

The visit was also attended by KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD) executive chairman Datuk Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman.

Ab Rauf said the MICT development would open another international maritime gateway to Melaka, thereby paving the way for a greater number of international cruise ship arrivals and tourists to the state in the future.

He noted that, based on the presented plans, MICT is expected to accommodate approximately 800 cruise ship arrivals with a capacity of up to 1.6 million passengers annually, involving a total investment value of RM2 billion and the potential to create over 10,000 job opportunities.

"Currently, we receive 4,800 tourists every Monday and 3,000 tourists every Thursday arriving via the Genting Dream Cruise.

"We see the potential of the Blue Economy in this area; the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) collaboration with KAJD is expected to yield significant economic returns for Melaka," he said.

Meanwhile, he said the state government would continue to ensure that all matters requiring action from departments and agencies are well-coordinated to facilitate the project's development.

He added that the developer is also expected to ensure that every component of the project is developed in accordance with the agreed technical specifications, safety standards, and timelines.

MICT is a key component of the Melaka Gateway development and it is set to become the largest cruise ship terminal in Southeast Asia, thereby playing a pivotal role in the state's maritime transport industry.

-- BERNAMA