PTP clarifies dredging impact

Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia has clarified that dredging work for its Phase Two expansion project does not affect local fishermen. A PTP spokesman clarified to Fairplay that the dredging works is undertaken only in the access channel and for the Phase Two expansion. "The only affected areas are all within the port waters and limits, where fishing is naturally not allowed," the spokesman asserted. PTP, which began operations in the year 2000, is competing with Singapore for container transhipment cargo. Fishermen have claimed compensation claiming that catch has been affected due to a number of dredging projects in the region including those carried out by government agencies. Meanwhile, Malaysia's foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar aid the impact of Singapore's reclamation works on a border island will be subject to scrutiny by international experts. Reclamation work around Pulau Tekong has been objected to on grounds of restricting the flow of water through the Johor Straits and affecting shipping lanes. Singapore has denied the charge