New Straits Times 15 Apr 12;
MERSING: The leading foreign contractor of the RM22 billion marina bay, Mersing Laguna, is committed to complete the project's land reclamation in 36 months.
From then on, brisk physical development, including the construction of hotels and marina facilities by local developer Radiant Starfish Development Bhd is expected to take off on the 809ha man-made islands.
Power Construction Corporation China president Ma Zong Lin said the company's subsidiary, Sinohydro, had been appointed to carry out the land reclamation.
Speaking through an interpreter during the launch of the project by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Ma said the company was proud to be part of the district's development master plan under the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (ECER).
"Sinohydro is not only an expert in underwater engineering but also marine infrastructure construction.
"We are also involved in the development of the CP-1 city in Qatar and the 1,200km bullet train project from Shanghai to Beijing."
Mersing Laguna is expected to be fully completed by 2020.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Mersing's natural beauty, with its pristine rivers and white sandy beaches, had long attracted tourists from all over the world.
Ghani was also confident that Radiant Starfish and its investors would be able to breathe new life into Mersing.
"Under the ECER, the district's potential in the tourism industry will be further expanded.
"Talks on the project took place several years ago, to make Mersing a top international destination," the menteri besar added.
'Mersing project to benefit locals'
Ahmad Fairuz Othman and Syed Umar Ariff New Straits Times 15 Apr 12;
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND: Sultan of Johor seeks people’s support, cooperation for Mersing Laguna project
MERSING: THE Sultan of Johor is urging the people's support and cooperation in making the Mersing Laguna project a huge success, while warning detractors against undermining the RM55 billion eco-tourism endeavour.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said yesterday the project stood to benefit locals, as well as Johor and the country, hence no one should attempt to make an issue out of it for political mileage or personal gains.
"I do not want those who are envious (of this project to) challenge it by spreading slander and to sabotage it.
"At the same time, let there be no party which tries to take advantage of it by staging protests for their personal or political interests, including voicing out nonsensical demands," said Sultan Ibrahim during a speech at the ground-breaking ceremony of Mersing Laguna and the opening of Festiva Mersing, near here.
The ruler also promised to look into any problems which the people had with the project as he wanted them to understand the many benefits that were in store for them.
"I have regarded Mersing as my playground since my childhood and always monitor the people's needs here. If the people of Mersing have any problems with the project, inform the district officer, who in turn will convey the matter directly to me.
"This is not a short-term project, but one which will bring about benefits in the construction sector, besides attracting more food outlets and accommodation in anticipation of the people who will stay here.
"There will be huge opportunities in the field of hospitality and this will require many workers, which in turn will uplift the local economy."
Sultan Ibrahim expressed his concern over the existing socio-economic status of Mersing folk, especially its fishing community, whose household earnings were inconsistent.
In this regard, the ruler urged the people of Mersing, particularly the fishing community and youth to take advantage of the project to improve their standard of life.
"It is time for my people to change towards a better life by obtaining a higher source of income, which is more guaranteed.
"When this project is completed, fishermen may not need to go out to sea again. The youth also must prepare themselves from now by seeking knowledge and learning more about the hotel line."
Sultan Ibrahim said the Laguna Mersing project was set to transform the town, which is currently just a stopover for tourists headed to the islands off the mainland.
"Mersing town was opened in 1892, but until now, it is not as fast-developing as other towns in Johor.
He said the project had also considered the impact on the environment and was developed with the people's interests in mind.
"Initially, I was not confident that the project would succeed. However, after five years of research by the developer, I am now convinced that the project will be beneficial to the people."
Sultan Ibrahim wants Mersing to become an internationally known major tourism town, as it had such a potential due to its natural beauty.
"The district of Mersing is abundant with natural beauty, while the islands off Mersing have been attracting tourists for a long time.
"Let us return the town to its former glory as a place of beauty, as depicted in the song Seri Mersing."
