Given Johor’s close proximity to Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it is “naturally concerned about any possible transboundary impact on Singapore from property development projects that involve reclamation works in the Straits of Johor.”
The statement was made in response to media queries on Malaysian property development projects requiring reclamation works there.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had written to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak concerning a project which involves land reclamation works near the second link.
Dubbed Forest City, the project reportedly involves several connected islands with a total land size of around 2,000 hectares,
Notably, the letter was said to be a follow-up to notes sent by Singapore to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry.
The first reportedly asked Malaysia to provide all relevant information, including an environmental impact assessment (IEA) report as well as the estimated completion of the project, while the second sought clarification and explanation, after Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin assured the state assembly that the reclamation work will not affect the environment.
The MFA noted there are international obligations for both Singapore and Malaysia authorities to work closely on such matters.
It also confirmed that it has indeed asked the Malaysian authorities to provide more information on the project so that it can undertake a study as soon as possible on the impacts of these reclamation works on Singapore and the Straits.
“They have agreed to do so and we hope to receive the information soon,” said the statement.
Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg
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