Melaka’s coastline is facing a transformation of unprecedented scale. A massive land reclamation project spanning over 1,100 hectares is being proposed under the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), touted to bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs. But the push for development is being met with growing resistance. Environmentalists, fisherfolk, and local communities warn of devastating ecological and economic consequences, from the loss of vital turtle nesting sites to the worsening of flood risks. We speak with Martin Theseira, the Chairman of Save Our Seashores Melaka, and Frits van Walsem, the Director of Sail and Science Sdn. Bhd. to understand what’s really at stake.



Image Credit: Frits van Walsem / mataburung.com

Melaka’s coastline is facing a transformation of unprecedented scale. A massive land reclamation project spanning over 1,100 hectares is being proposed under the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), touted to bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs. But the push for development is being met with growing resistance. Environmentalists, fisherfolk, and local communities warn of devastating ecological and economic consequences, from the loss of vital turtle nesting sites to the worsening of flood risks. We speak with Martin Theseira, the Chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/SOSMelaka/">Save Our Seashores Melaka</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mataburung.com/">Frits van Walsem</a>, the Director of Sail and Science Sdn. Bhd. to understand what’s really at stake.Image Credit: Frits van Walsem / <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://mataburung.com">mataburung.com</a>

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

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