Melaka Gateway is a new urban development of artificial islands in Melaka, Malaysia. The islands will comprise residential and commercial buildings, a theme park, cruise port, and deep-sea container port.
The project was launched on 7 February 2014 by Prime Minister Najib Razak. It was expected to be open in 2018 and be finished completely by 2025.
The project was cancelled in November 2020, and then restarted in February 2022.
This factsheet contains links and resources to the project, and a news archive of the project.
Melaka Gateway map
[Map of Melaka Gateway.]
Links and resources
melakagateway.com – Official website by KAJ Development Sdn Bhd.
Melaka Gateway Masterplan – DP Architects PTE LTD.
Melaka Gateway – Case study by BRI Monitor.
News archive
The return of Melaka Gateway: scaled-down ambitions – [15/02/24]
“What was touted as a mega project in the form of the Melaka Gateway is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.”
2024
Why did $10 billion Melaka Gateway mega project fail? – [19/10/24]
“Discover the fascinating story behind Melaka Gateway, a $10 billion mega-project that promised to transform Malaysia into a tourism and trade hub—but came to a sudden halt. In this video, you’ll find out why the ambitious plan failed and whether its recent revival stands a chance of success.”
From major port to cruise terminal: How Malaysia’s Melaka Gateway fell short – [13/09/24]
“When Malaysia’s Melaka Gateway was launched in 2014, it was touted as a rival to Singapore’s port. It has not lived up to expectations, but will recent renewed interest make a difference?”
2023
DoE hasn’t received fresh EIA report on Melaka Gateway’s Pulau Satu project – [10/12/23]
“Natural resources, environment and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad says the report approved earlier did not involve the construction of a cruise terminal.”
Melaka Gateway component: Loke vows to ‘double-check’ with DOE – [12/10/23]
Public warned against fraudulent Melaka Gateway Investment offers – [02/10/23]
Get proper EIA report, rep urges Melaka Gateway developers – [18/09/23]
“Community leader Michael Singho says even the existing report, which is more than 25 years old, has been ignored.”
KAJ gets approval to revive RM43 bln Melaka Gateway project – [12/09/23]
“KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD) has announced that the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway mega project will be revived.”
Go-ahead given for RM43bil Melaka Gateway, says developer – [11/09/23]
“Approval has been obtained from federal government and Melaka state authorities for the revival of the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway mega project, the developer said today.”
Melaka Gateway – The White Elephant, Part 2 – YouTube
“Part 2 of The White Elephant, the story of a failed Chinese-backed mega-project called Melaka Gateway that is pushing the Kristang Portuguese, a unique world culture, to the brink of survival.”
Johor sultan now Melaka Gateway’s second largest shareholder – [08/03/23]
“Checks by Malaysiakini on project developer KAJ Development Sdn Bhd’s company records showed that Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar is now its second-largest shareholder.”
Melaka cruise terminal project to be revived, says Transport Minister – [05/03/23]
“The cruise terminal project at Melaka Gateway in Pulau Melaka here will be revived, says Anthony Loke.”
Proposed deep-sea port, cruise terminal threaten Melaka environment: NGOs – [01/02/23]
“Project could end up destroying state’s natural surroundings, coast, groups say.”
2022
“Let the land be”: culture, heritage, and economic development in Melaka – [28/10/22]
Halt Melaka Gateway project, DAP MP tells state govt – [17/08/22]
“Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong says not submitting an EIA report for approval by the department of environment is against the law.”
How did Melaka Gateway project proceed without EIA? MP demands answers – [17/08/23]
“DAP’s Khoo Poay Tiong wants work halted pending clarification, full probe into report’s status.”
Melaka Gateway signs MoA with investor to create theme park – [21/03/22]
“KAJ signed an MoA with Assetwall Sdn Bhd for the development of a state-of-the-art theme park with 24 rides and attractions.”
KAJ secures investors for Melaka Gateway mega project – [16/03/22]
“KAJ Development Sdn Bhd, the developer of multi-billion ringgit Melaka Gateway, has attracted local and foreign investors to build the PME1 component of the mega project.”
KAJ Development, dropped from RM43bil Melaka Gateway project in 2020, back on board – [08/03/22]
Developer wants to settle lawsuit over Melaka Gateway coastal project – [09/02/22]
2021
Melaka waterfront project will have huge impact on coast, fishermen – [21/11/21]
Life in Melaka’s Portuguese settlement – [18/11/21]
“The villagers work hard throughout the day and enjoy some light moments afterwards despite their concerns over looming development and the future of their settlement.”
Report: Idris Haron should answer on Melaka Gateway project, not Nor Azman, says Melaka Umno deputy liaison chief – [11/10/21]
Melaka Gateway developer fails to challenge state’s directive to halt project – [17/02/21]
2020
Hearing to reverse cancellation of Melaka Gateway on Tuesday – [19/12/20]
Developer sues over Melaka Gateway termination – [18/12/20]
“The developer of Melaka Gateway project has filed a judicial review over the Malacca government’s decision to terminate the company’s land reclamation concession for the project.”
China’s Malacca dream shattered; Malaysia expels three Chinese firms from $10 billion infra project – [03/12/20]
Canceled $10.5bn Malaysia port project plays down China role – [03/12/20]
“Melaka Gateway faced scrutiny amid rising number of Belt and Road deals.”
Explain decision to stop Gateway project, Melaka govt urged – [23/11/20]
“Economists say the state government must be transparent and disclose the circumstances behind its action.”
Melaka state govt scraps $14 billion port project – [22/11/20]
“Developer calls termination unfair; govt says firm failed to complete reclamation works.”
In Malaysia, a gargantuan Chinese-backed development bites the dust – [19/11/20]
“The Melaka Gateway project has languished since the 2018 election, when large Chinese investments came under close scrutiny.”
Melaka plans RM100b economic corridor – [25/08/20]
“The Melaka state government is planning to create a new economic corridor to attract high-impact investments, to be known as the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone or M-Wez worth about RM100 billion.”
“M-Wez will comprise the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP) as the oil and gas industry services hub, the Tanjung Bruas Port as the container port and Melaka Gateway as the Melaka International Cruise Terminal (MICT).”
Reclaiming the sea from the Melaka Gateway – [08/04/20]
“The Melaka Gateway is threatening seaside communities, who are leveraging their Portuguese–Malay roots to survive.”
Inside the Belt And Road’s premier white elephant: Melaka Gateway – [31/01/20]
2019
Melaka Gateway project continues but questions remain on feasibility – [11/10/19]
The Melaka Gateway Project: High expectations but lost momentum? [PDF] – [30/09/19]
‘We cannot afford this’: Malaysia pushes back against China’s vision – [20/08/18]
“A country that once courted Chinese investment now fears becoming overly indebted for big projects that are neither viable nor necessary — except to China.”
Melaka Gateway developer to resume projects, withdraws suit – [29/05/19]
Melaka Gateway project is still ours, says KAJD – [01/02/19]
“The Melaka Gateway project on Melaka Island is still developed by KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD), the master developer of the RM43 billion project, and there is no change in ownership, said the company in a statement today.”
2018
Malaysia’s new government is pushing back against China – [04/09/18]
“On top of the list of projects under reconsideration are the $20bn East Coast Rail Link under construction by China Communications Construction Company; the $10bn Melaka Gateway project led by PowerChina International; and the $2.5bn natural gas pipeline led by a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation.”
Malacca Gateway beneficial to the economy, ministry says – [04/09/18]
“The Economic Affairs Ministry sees the ongoing Malacca Gateway development as beneficial to the country’s economy.”
Coffin protest by Melaka Portuguese community was a desperate survival call – [18/07/18]
“Coffins placed by the Portuguese community during the protest at the Melaka Gateway site office on Tuesday (July 17) are considered “sui (bad luck)” for locals, but this indicates a desperate call for survival, says state exco member Norhizam Hassan Baktee.”
Melaka Gateway remains on track — concessionaire – [17/07/18]
“The RM43 billion Melaka Gateway project is on track, said its concessionaire, brushing aside concerns that it is being reviewed by the new government and may be shelved.”
Melaka Gateway on track – [16/07/18]
“The RM43bil Melaka Gateway project is on track with its project status report waiting to be presented to the Ministry of Transport and Port Klang Authority (PKA), said Concessionaire of Melaka Gateway KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD).”
Melaka Gateway developer to meet gov’t authorities, clear the air – [16/07/18]
2017
Melaka Gateway raises heritage concerns for Portuguese Settlement – [07/09/17]
“However, settlement’s headman, Richard Hendricks, says project will benefit the state and create opportunities for its people.”
China’s growing ambitions in Malaysia raise questions about Beijing’s true motive – [06/07/17]
“Construction began in October on the Melaka Gateway, a $10 billion harbor project built on artificial islands that will include a new deep-sea port. Chinapower, a Chinese state-owned energy giant, is the project’s main investor, in partnership with local KAJ Development.”
Will China use Melaka Gateway for naval purposes? – [06/07/17]
“Analysts says China is investing in the Melaka Gateway project not just for economic returns but to have a naval foothold in the strategic Straits of Melaka.”
Feature: Melaka port hopes for revival of past glory on Maritime Silk Road – [10/05/17]
“Malaysia is building a huge deep-sea port in Melaka through cooperation with Chinese companies such as PowerChina, Yantian Port and Rizhao Port. Once completed, the port will be the largest of its kind in the Malacca Strait.
The Melaka Gateway, a complex consisting of the port and vast stretches of commercial, industrial and tourism facilities, will sprawl over 1,366 acres and cost some 9.8 billion U.S. dollars.
“More than 100,000 ships pass through the Malacca Strait annually. The Melaka Gateway will be a new cost-saving option for those ships,” said Gan Tian Loo, a Melaka commerce official in charge of business cooperation with China.
In addition to the port, Melaka is working to improve air and land transport capacity. It is upgrading its airport and has launched direct flights to and from Guangzhou, a manufacturing hub in south China. The city will also be a stop of the planned Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway.
Improved connectivity has already brought in a surge of Chinese investment and tourists, creating thousands of jobs for the city. But Idris has set his sights on the future, believing Melaka, with its new port, will become a gateway linking South East Asia, China and the whole world.
“The revival of the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century will bring vitality back to Melaka, like it did six hundred years ago,” Idris said.”
One Belt One Road in Malaysia: China’s strategic enabler? – [20/04/17]
Can China really deliver Malaysia’s Singapore slayer? – [15/04/17]
“Experts say Beijing is pouring investment into the Melaka Gateway project because it wants to secure its trade routes as part of its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative.”
“Singapore may be the world’s leading transhipment hub, but 200km from its shores the Malaysian state of Melaka – once the epicentre of the global spice trade – is plotting to usurp that status with the help of China’s “New Silk Road” splurge.”
Why politicise them? – [03/02/17]
“Does the benefit derived from foreign direct investments (FDIs) need to be politicised?
An example is the development of the RM8 billion Melaka Gateway port project off the coast of Pulau Melaka. It is expected to boost the state’s economy and help the people, yet it is criticised as being a sell-out to China.”
Hishammuddin: Malacca port not Chinese military naval base – [25/01/17]
2016
Malacca harbor plan raises questions about China’s strategic aims – [14/11/16]
“The Melaka Gateway joint venture is part of a wider port alliance between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing to increase bilateral trade and boost shipping and logistics along China’s much-vaunted Maritime Silk Road.”
Chinese companies to help Malaysia build deep sea port – [21/10/16]
Malaysia and China ink $7.3bn Melaka Gateway project – [05/09/16]
“Malaysia has wooed China in signing up to a 30 billion ringgit ($7.34 billion) national project to reclaim lands for real estate development, deepening their mutual ties.
As the master developer, local group KAJ Development will hold a 51% stake in the Melaka Gateway project, according to state media outlet Bernama. Powerchina International will lead the investment, bringing in investors as well as constructing Melaka Gateway. The development is slated to be completed by 2025.”
Melaka Gateway’s master developer ropes in Powerchina for RM30b development – [01/09/16]
“KAJ Development Sdn Bhd, the master developer of Melaka Gateway, a 1,366-acre mixed development project scattered on four islands in the Straits of Malacca, has tied-up with China state-owned Powerchina International Group Ltd to develop the project.”
2015
RM43bil investment in Malacca Gateway a boost to Malaysia, says Liow – [08/11/15]
“China’s investment of US$10bil (RM43bil) in the Malacca Gateway project can further spur the growth of seaports in the country to be on par with harbours in the region, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.”
Melaka Gateway project to benefit the Portuguese Settlement – [05/03/15]
2014
Messing with Melaka: the Gateway project and the destruction of a Unesco world heritage city – [26/09/14]
“The Melaka Gateway project is set to turn Melaka from a historical jewel into nothing more than a shiny plaything for the international idle rich, warns Weezy La Boite.”
Melaka Gateway heralds new era – [24/05/14]
“A 246-hectare area in the state of Melaka, comprising man-made eco-islands, entertainment resorts and theme parks, is Malaysia’s next mega-project designed to boost the country’s tourism industry by attracting high-end consumers.”
RM40b Malacca Gateway to open doors in 2018 – [07/02/14]
“The RM40 billion project in Malacca known as Melaka Gateway which will be launched by the prime minister today will open its doors to visitors in 2018.
The 609-acre project which is being developed by KAJ Development Sdn Bhd (KAJD) will see the first phase attracting some 900,000 visitors during the first year of operations, said KAJD CEO Datuk Michelle Ong.”
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