THE METROPOLIS OF KL, KLANG, SEREMBAN & MELAKA

In my opinion, we will see the cities of Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Seremban, Port Dickson and historical Melaka merged into one large metropolis where people and visitors can enjoy the different attractions of each city.

Melaka is already the World Heritage City where history lurks and has flourishing cultures living together for the past 600 years. She is a living heritage in her own right.

For Kuala Lumpur, the modern city with numerous restaurants and entertainment centres offer a different experience to locals and visitors alike. The Petronas Twin Towers are the international icon and symbol which people recognise as KL, Malaysia. Food and different cultures prevail.

For Klang and Shah Alam, we have the main port to Malaysia and near to Port Dickson, we have the KLIA and LCCT Terminal. Soon, we will have a newer LCCT complex at Labu, Negeri Sembilan. All these airports are located within the cities of KL, Klang, Seremban and Melaka which visitors can reach within 1 hour's drive.

For visitors who want to enjoy the sun and sea, they can either go to Port Dickson and Pantai Puteri/Pantai Bidara in Melaka.

Signs are there as we see development along the North-South Highway at Bangi, Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson. Maybe in the next 25 years, we will see more development at Labu, Alor Gajah and surrounding areas towards Melaka. Time will be our witness.

A BRIDGE FROM MELAKA TO DUMAI, INDONESIA?

2008/12/24


A Bridge from Melaka to Dumai, Indonesia in the future?

It will be nice that we can drive across the Malacca Straits in our own car to Sumatra, Indonesia. We can have a relaxing weekend in Indonesia while Indonesians can travel over for their medical check-ups in Melaka.
From the engineering & civil construction of point of view, the bridge can be built as there are many high span bridges built around the world eg. in Japan, China and other countries. The only constraints will be the financial burden and political consideration between Malaysia and Indonesia. Being a mega project, a lot of details have to be worked out before construction can start. No point having an uncompleted bridge hanging over the Straits of Malacca if the works grind to a halt.
It is certainly an idea worth exploring for the future of Malaysia and Indonesia in fostering neighbourly ties and the coming together of the ASEAN countries into one trade grouping in the future.
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Feasibility study first for bridge to Sumatra

MALACCA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on the suggested 52km bridge linking Malacca to Dumai in Sumatra, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
He said the study would determine the viability of the bridge, taking into consideration the cost, expected revenue and present economic situation."It may become a reality in the near future. But for now, I think the ferry service is sufficient.

"The Malacca government had earlier suggested the construction of the bridge which was estimated to cost US$11 billion (RM38 billion).Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had said that the bridge would have great economic potential, considering the population in Sumatra had reached 70 million compared with Singapore with only four million.

He said the idea of the bridge had been raised in 1995, but was put on hold a few years later due to the financial crisis then affecting both countries."There are numerous factors to consider before we can embark on such a huge project. We will decide after a feasibility study is done." Najib was speaking at the opening of the Ninth Malay and Islamic World (DMDI) Convention here yesterday.

In his speech, he urged Malays in the region not to forget their roots and play their part in helping the community grow stronger and more united in facing challenges."Despite the changes around us, we must never forget our roots and should take all relevant steps to foster greater unity, understanding and cooperation among each other." In urging the community to master as many languages as possible, Najib reminded them not to neglect the use of their mother tongue, Bahasa Malaysia.

He also called on the Malays to reject all forms of extremism and the use of militant force to achieve political goals.Later, Najib launched the DMDI Finance House, which he said would begin with an initial investment of RM10 million and an authorised capital of RM1 billion.Ali, who is also DMDI president, said he hoped that if the bridge project was approved, it would be financed by the private sector."

I hope the idea will become a reality because the Malacca-Dumai bridge can not only boost economic development, but also strengthen ties between both countries."

He said the number of tourist arrivals from Indonesia had increased from 1.2 million in 2006 to 1.8 million last year.The number of Indonesian tourists who visited the Unesco World Heritage site here increased from 105,986 in 2006 to 128,057 last year, he added

NEW LCCT AT LABU, NEGERI SEMBILAN

It is heartening to read that the Malaysian cabinet has given approval to a private sector initiative by Sime Darby Berhad, AirAsia Bhd. and private investors, to set up a new LCCT terminal at Labu, Negeri Sembilan.

Covering 2,800 hectares, the LCCT terminal will be the hub to develop 5 townships for various industries. Moreover, the Express Rail Link and KTM Komuter, will be extended to the new LCCT when completed.

Located about 7 km from the North-South Highway near to Nilai/Labu, the new LCCT will be nearer to Melaka than currently. On the long term, with projection that AirAsia will bring in 30 million passengers by 2014, this figure can only benefit Melaka - World Heritage City. If we can get 2% of this projected traffic to visit Melaka, it will translate to 600,000 new visitors!!!

It is important that tour operators, bus companies and taxis that ply Melaka-KL and KL-Melaka routes, be creative in their routings. Long distance buses can use the LCCT terminal as a stop when travelling from Melaka or KL. For passengers who want to LCCT, they can also board on these buses at reduced fares. The key is that we provide accessibility to intending passengers, locals or foreigners, who want to visit Melaka.

In the future, we can certainly see the region of Kuala Lumpur,Klang, Seremban, Port Dickson and Melaka City becoming one large Metropolis whereby visitors can enjoy history, entertainment, shopping, beaches and food.