RM39.52bil bridge funded by local investors

RM39.52bil bridge will be funded by local investors, says CM

The proposed bridge from Malacca to Dumai in Sumatra, Indonesia, should be pursued as it would make a positive impact on the economic and social ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the 35km bridge, estimated to cost RM39.52bil, was feasible as the funding would come through a private finance initiative.

“As local investors are willing to fund the project, it will not involve government funding.

“And I think this project is viable and profitable in the long run for both countries,” he said after opening the Bernama-Antara Summit 2011 here.

Mohd Ali said the project was bogged down by negative perceptions but the benefits would allay any misconception.

“The bridge project is still pending as negotiations with the Indonesian government are still on-going. The prime minister will be briefed on the matter soon.

“If we take into account the Sumatra’s population of 70 million and the country’s population of 28 million, at the rate of 10% of the population using the bridge, a total of 10 million people would commute between the two countries,” he added.

Mohd Ali said proposal to build the bridge received support from the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Malay World Islamic World (DMDI).

He said Bernama and Antara could play a role in the bridge issue by publicising the positive impact of the bridge to woo Indonesian investors to invest in the Melaka’s tourism sector.

Malacca is keen to have Indonesian investors set up hotel chains, theme parks and shopping complexes in the state, he added.

He called on senior officials from Bernama and Antara to join the DMDI economic forum in October for the benefit of both countries.

Bernama general manager Datuk Hasnul Hassan, Antara Supervisory Board chairman Hendry Subiakto and Antara chief executive officer Ahmad Mukhlis Yusoff were present.

About 70 journalists and media practitioners discussed and put up ideas on broadcasting and journalism at the three-day summit meeting entitled ‘Connecting the Strait of Malacca’. – Bernama.