Roro Ferry Terminal To Be Built In Tanjung Bruas

MELAKA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- A "roll-on roll-off" (RoRo) terminal for the Melaka-Dumai ferry service will be built in Tanjung Bruas near here early next year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

He said that the state government had previously planned the facility in Kuala Linggi, Alor Gajah but found the area to be unsuitable as the water was not deep enough for ferries to operate.

"I expect the construction of the RoRo terminal in Tanjung Bruas to be completed by the end of next year," he told reporters after attending an investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob's 71st birthday at the Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh here Sunday.

Among those who received awards today was Riau Governor Datuk Rosli Zainal, who was conferred the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka which carries the title Datuk.

Mohd Ali said the terminal was a joint venture project between the state and federal governments under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and that the tender would close this month.

"Upon completion, tourists from Sumatra can take their vehicles onboard RoRo ferries when travelling to Malaysia and vice-versa," said Mohd Ali.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Rosli said the Riau provincial government had prepared all the facilities for the service including three RoRo ferries, each capable of loading 40 to 60 vehicles.

-- BERNAMA