New Straits Times
Release : August 22, 2002

The Marina Sanctuary Resort in Teluk Muruh, Lumut, Perak is set to become the State's first island township under an independent venture by DKLS Industries Bhd.

The RM2 billion project involves the construction of two man-made islands covering a total area of 126.8ha.

Construction work on the twin-island town commenced in June following the approval of its Environmental Impact Assessment by Department of Environment.

DKLS Industries executive director Ding Poi Chung said about RM5 million was spent on the Environment Impact Assessment, whose study was undertaken by consultant from Erin Co Bhd of Kuala Lumpur.

Responding to doubts of environmental destruction, Ding said the construction work scope involved building of rock-enforced bunds to act as perimeters to contain the dumped foundation soil.

"The bunds will help to avoid overspill of soil into the sea. We have also carried out a 'flow modelling survey' to ensure proper water current flow along the Dindings Channel ( Selat Dinding) to avert silting worries among marine industrialists based in Lumut. A vast sum of money is being pumped into thie project, so it is vital to strike out on a successful path and do what we can to allay the public's fears of chaotic consequences," added Ding.

The project's launch ceremony will be held by the end of this year. The project is expected to take about 5 years to complete.

The inter-linked islands, which are located some 365 metres offshore, will be connected to the mainland by a RM10 million futuristic-designed bridge with an eight-metre clearance for average-size pleasure vessels to sail under.

The resort will also have its own deep water berthing facilities for "Star Cruise" - type ocean liners, and a sailing academy to promote the country's maritime industry.
About 30 metres wide of waters surrounding the islands will be deepened to about two metres deep, and once completed, there will also be man-made beaches for recreation at strategic locations.

The project, undertaken in stages, will include hotels, shop office units, bungalow lots, condominium units, apartments, cluster homes, jetty centre, trade centres, water theme park, games courts, and commercial and office complexes with ample parking bays.

Ding also said the resort was a mixed development concept, which included industrial, commercial tourism, residential and recreational projects, envisaged to make Perak a leading tourist hub in the region.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comments on the project, Royal Malaysian Navy's Fleet Operations Commander Laksamana Muda Datuk Ilyas Din said as the resort was being built "practically at the Navy base doorsteps", they would be monitoring the situation closely.

As long as the development process does not encroach into our boundaries, it poses no danger to the base security," he said.