Kuala lumpur: The AI-powered Smart Port project in Port Dickson will be developed entirely on land owned by Tanco Holdings Berhad and its subsidiary, Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd, without the need to acquire any additional land, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aminuddin dismissed allegations that the project would involve the acquisition of approximately 566 hectares (1,400 acres) of land, including village areas, forest reserves, customary land, industrial zones, agricultural land, and residential lots, describing the claims as baseless. He emphasized that no villages or forest reserves would be sacrificed for the project's implementation, noting that no customary land exists in Port Dickson.

Aminuddin highlighted that the development will occur entirely on Tanco Holdings Berhad's land, which has around 202 hectares (500 acres) designated for the port project. The project's first phase, with an investment value of RM3.4 billion, is anticipated to become a catalyst for Port Dickson's economic development, potentially transforming the area into a duty-free commercial hub.

The Menteri Besar described the development as a 'game changer' poised to generate significant economic benefits for local communities, particularly in Linggi and Pasir Panjang. He assured residents that the state government would continue safeguarding the interests of the Malay community and protecting land owned by local people.

Aminuddin addressed concerns regarding the livelihoods of fishermen and communities dependent on the Linggi River. He clarified that the project does not involve Kampung Tanjung Agas, Kampung Sungai Raya, or the Linggi River itself. The confusion likely stems from another port development, the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP), located on the Negeri Sembilan-Melaka border under the Melaka government's administration.

On July 14, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Midport development would bolster Malaysia's position as a regional digital and maritime hub, enhancing the country's capacity to meet growing global trade demands. He described the AI-powered port project as a strategic necessity for a maritime nation along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.