The Coastal Zone - Iskandar Malaysia

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SECTION B PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION In light of this, SJER advocates protecting natural resources within the coastal areas to the extent possible. However, it cannot discount the fact that shipping and port activities are key to the economic growth of the area. In addition, there is likely to be significant development pressure for power, housing and commerce. However with proper planning and controls, a balance between the competing demands of economic advancement and environmental preservation can be achieved. A. Activities and Natural Assets In The Waterfront Zone Economic activity in the coastal areas has accelerated in recent years. This includes the expansion of urban areas, industrial activities, infrastructure development as well as the development of tourism facilities. As a consequence, about one-third of the coastline comprise of built up areas with another one-third committed for development. B. Existing Use and Activities For the purpose of this report, the coastal zone maps are illustrated in two sub-zones, the east and west coastal zone. This is due to the length of the area and the inability to display the maps in a more readable format. Currently, only 20.74% (9005.27 hectares) of the total coastal zone are built-up areas used for residential, commercial, industrial, institution, road/rail and infrastructure purposes, while another 0.6% (262.26 hectares) has been approved for development. In total, 9267.47 hectares (21.34%) of land within the coastal zone comprises of built up areas and the balance of 78.66% is currently undeveloped. Table 12.1: Land Use Structure of Coastal Zone Landuse Area (Ha) Forest 11,405.44 Water Bodies 2,610.02 Open Space 616.33 Agriculture 13,691.69 Residential 2,475.34 Commercial 272.24 Industry 1,442.89 Institution 2,296.01 Infrastructure and Utilities 410.38 Road and rail 2,108.41 Vacant land 5,837.22 Others (Committed development) 262.26 TOTAL AREA 43,428.23 Source: SJER CDP 2025 The total area of the defined coastal area is 43,428.23 hectares. The area within the coastal zone has been put to various uses, some of which are not compatible with each other and may be detrimental to the natural environment. However, a substantial portion of the coastal zone remains a green area, including forests, water bodies and agricultural areas. The existence of three major ports, which are the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Pasir Gudang Port and Tanjung Langsat Port, has resulted in a proliferation of industrial activities, as well as activities associated with shipping including shipyards and boat repairs, and harbour services. There has been an associated increase in the number of people living along the coastal zone. Figure 12.2: Indicative Key Plan for Sub-Zone East Zone Tanjung Bin, which is the largest coal fired power plant project in Malaysia, is also located along the coastal zone of Pontian. The RM7.8 billion project is sprawled over 41 hectares of land, and upon completion the power plant will generate 2,100MW of electricity. West Zone The Danga Bay and the Kota Air, Tebrau’s integrated township developments are among the new, predominantly residential waterfront developments fronting the Straits of Johor and overlooking Singapore. Nusajaya will also have a new waterfront once its marina development is completed. Source: SJER CDP 2025 12 - 2
THE COASTAL AREA CHAPTER 12 | PART 3 Waterfront activities in Johor Bahru city also include commercial and residential activities. Much of the coastline also has a scenic road that makes the waterfront areas accessible to the public and gives a sense of openness for the city. The development is concentrated on the coastal areas and it is mainly from Johor Bahru city centre towards Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Langsat. By contrast, the western zone comprises mainly of mangrove, agriculture and small settlement areas, although it also includes the Port of Tanjung Pelepas. However, with the emergence of the new Johor State Administrative Centre in Nusajaya and Danga Bay, there is increasing development pressure on the western part of the coastal area and if unabated this will accelerate conversion of natural resource areas into urban land. C. Natural Assets In The Coastal Zone The waterfront of South Johor has diverse natural assets which include the mangrove swamps and rivers found along the coastal zone. There are many rivers that flow into the Straits of Johor and these rivers and their tributaries play a major environmental role as well as a role in enhancing the aesthetics of the urbanscape of SJER. Due to rapid urban development, most of the rivers are affected by pollution. It is important to ensure that these rivers are clean. An integrated river basin management plan has to be put in place in order to ensure good water quality, which is important for preserving the environment within the coastal zone. 230.79 sq.km. of mangrove is found along the coastal zone and these mangrove areas protect the shoreline from erosion. As the Straits of Johor is a short stretch of water, tidal effects from the two open waters of the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca have substantial effect on the shoreline. Much of the mangrove area is being degraded and encroached upon by committed development, especially in the Nusajaya, Danga Bay and Tebrau areas. However, it is important to preserve some of these mangrove areas especially those of the RAMSAR, Pendas and Kim-Kim. 12 - 3
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The Coastal Zone - Iskandar Malaysia

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