Study on suitability of Carey Island as a port

PUTRAJAYA: A year-long feasibility study will be conducted to determine the suitability of Carey Island for the third port in the Port Klang area.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Cabinet has given permission to proceed for the study, which could begin in November.

As the regulator of the Port Klang area, the Port Klang Authority (PKA) has been tasked to issue a request for proposal (RFP) in order to appoint an independent consultant to conduct the feasibility study.

“The cost of the study will be borne by PKA. If the project is deemed feasible, the future concessionaire will then cover the cost of the study,” Loke told a press conference.

Loke said the government viewed the need for a new port in the Port Klang area as a necessity, as Northport and Westport are close to full capacity.

“Singapore is developing a giant port in Tuas and it is important that Malaysia does not lose out to its neighbours,” said Loke.

Although MMC Port Holdings Sdn Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd had last year signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd to do a feasibility study on Carey Island, Loke said the MoU was not binding.

“It was just an MoU. The government will not be obliged to any companies.

“That is why we prefer the study to be done independently so it is without bias from companies who are interested in the project,” said Loke.

When asked about the plight of the Mah Meri community, which has some 2,000 people residing on the island, Loke said it would be one of many aspects to be considered in the study.

It will cover environmental impact, social impact, market and pre-feasibility study, dredging and reclamation study, and others.

Loke said once the study is completed, it would be presented to the Cabinet for consideration.