No Land Acquisition for Port Dickson Smart Port, Says Aminuddin

SEREMBAN, July 28 — The AI-powered Smart Port project in Port Dickson will be developed entirely on existing private land owned by Tanco Holdings Berhad and its subsidiary, Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd, without requiring any land acquisition, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun confirmed.

Dismissing viral claims alleging that the project would involve acquiring approximately 566 hectares (1,400 acres) of village land, forest reserves, customary land, industrial, agricultural, and residential lots, Aminuddin described the allegations as completely baseless.

“We will not sacrifice a single village to implement this project. There will be no land acquisition, and no forest reserves will be affected. Furthermore, there is no customary land in Port Dickson. Customary land exists only in Kuala Pilah, Jelebu, Rembau, and Tampin,” Aminuddin stated in a video published on Facebook.

“The development will take place entirely on land owned by Tanco Holdings Berhad, which has approximately 202 hectares (500 acres) designated for the port project,” he added.

Aminuddin emphasized that the first phase of the project, carrying an estimated investment value of RM3.4 billion, will serve as a economic catalyst for Port Dickson with the potential to turn the area into a duty-free commercial hub. He characterized the development as a “game changer” for surrounding local communities, especially in Linggi and Pasir Panjang.

Addressing concerns raised by coastal residents and local fishermen, the Menteri Besar assured the public that the state government remains firm in safeguarding Malay-owned land and community welfare. He clarified that the project boundaries do not encroach upon Kampung Tanjung Agas, Kampung Sungai Raya, or the Linggi River.

“I will ensure that Malay-owned land remains secure and protected. We do not want the public to be misled or intimidated by false information,” Aminuddin said.

Aminuddin noted that public confusion likely stemmed from another port development—the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP)—which sits on the Negeri Sembilan–Melaka border and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Melaka state government.

The announcement follows statements made on July 14 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who noted that the Midport development will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional digital and maritime hub along the Strait of Malacca while expanding national capacity to handle rising global trade demands.

-NMT