Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said this was to ensure the project did not cause problems for Negeri Sembilan in the future. Kuala Linggi sits on the border of the two states, not far from Pasir Panjang and Si Rusa in Negeri Sembilan.

“If it has a bad effect on the state then we will protest and will not compromise on the matter. They have to pass the EIA before we agree.

“Basically, if they want to build a port or whatever, we have no problem with it as it is done on their (Melaka) land.

“What we don’t want is problems in the future, such as those that impact fishermen and cause soil erosion in Negeri Sembilan,” Aminuddin said after chairing the weekly exco meeting today.

He also said based on the initial findings of the EIA report, turtle and crocodile roaming areas in Kuala Sungai Linggi would be affected.

“It is crucial to ensure that turtle and crocodile populations are protected. In addition, fishermen near the project should also be given attention even if they are under Negeri Sembilan.

“The compensation given to fishermen in Negeri Sembilan should be the same as those given to fishermen in Melaka.

“However, I am confident the Melaka government will look into these factors and take into account the EIA report.”

Aminuddin said the Melaka government should be sensitive to this matter because it involved the state border, and it should follow all the stipulations to ensure good border relations between Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

On Feb 24, the Environment Department posted the EIA report on its Facebook page. Members of the public can express their views by submitting feedback before March 25.

On July 29 last year, the Melaka government allocated RM5.4 million worth of compensation for 185 fishermen in the Kuala Linggi state constituency for the construction of KLIP.

Linggi Base Sdn Bhd, as the project developer, will reclaim 251ha of sea and KLIP is in the process of developing the facilities and infrastructure of the project.