LUMUT, Thurs - The construction of the multi-million ringgit Marina Sanctuary Resort in Lumut will accelerate the development of the area into a tourism and maritime centre.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the project was also a manifestation of the high level of confidence local investors had in the future of the tourism industry in the State.

He said efforts towards reclaiming a muddy area with low economic value and transforming it into a tourism and recreational centre was no mean feat.

"The implementation of a project of such a magnitude requires detailed planning and logistical support."

Furthermore, a responsible and responsive attitude by the Government, the private sector and the villagers would go a long way in ensuring the success of the project, he said at the launch of the construction of the RM700 million project at Teluk Muruh near here last night.

The mixed development project consists of commercial and residential properties; and recreational facilities which include a theme park, lagoons, a terminal for cruise ships and a passenger jetty.

The terminal is being built to attract cruise ship passengers to make a stopover en route to Singapore or Thailand.

The entire project will be undertaken on 127 hectares of reclaimed area off Lumut.

The entire project which is expected to take over 10 years to complete, is undertaken by Marina Sanctuary Resort Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of DKLS Industries Bhd.

Unlike other reclamation projects where the reclaimed land was merely an extension of the shore, the project would involve reclaimation of two "islands" connected to the mainland by a 400-metre "bridge-causeway".

Present ware State Secretary Datuk Dr Isahak Yeop Mohd Shar, Lumut MP Kong Cho Ha and DKLS Industries managing director Datuk Ding Pei Chai.

Tajol Rosli said the project was strategically located along the popular Teluk Muruh beaches facing the Dindings Straits and fringed by tourist attractions.

The resort island of Pangkor and world renowned Pangkor Laut Resort are situated west of Marina Sanctuary Resort while the popular beach of Teluk Batik and Teluk Rubiah Country Resort lie about one kilometre south.

Tajol Rosli said the planned infrastructure and the strategic location in the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle would help intensify socio-economic growth in the district.