by S BIRRUNTHA / pic BERNAMA

A NEW route linking Malaysia and Indonesia — via Telok Gong in Masjid Tanah, Melaka, and Dumai in Sumatra — will be developed in collaboration with the private sector, Bernama reported today.

Melaka Investment, Industry, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (picture) said the proposed development, with a distance of about 120km, would involve the construction of a tunnel or bridge.

He added that the development would take 20 years and when completed, it would have a major impact on the economic development of both countries.

“The proposal on the project has been submitted by the private sector and both countries have in principle agreed to a detailed study on the matter.

“On the part of the state government, we have brought all government agencies to visit the area where the proposed new route will be built yesterday,” he noted.

According to Ab Rauf, the project to be built under the concept of “One Belt, One Road”, will be a new icon for both Malaysia and Indonesia.

He also said the project will include the construction of various infrastructures, including traffic dispersal areas and the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.

Apart from that, a new industrial zone will be gradually developed in Masjid Tanah, covering an area of about 2,023ha, with various industrial activities, Ab Rauf said.

He noted that the development of the area would be carried out by the Melaka Corp and is expected to contribute to the opening of a new town in Masjid Tanah.