The Melaka government has allocated RM5.4 million in compensation payment for 185 fishermen in the Kuala Linggi state constituency whose livelihood will be adversely affected by the construction of the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP) project in Alor Gajah.

Chief Minister Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali said work on the project was in progress with the developer, Linggi Base Sdn Bhd (LBSB), conducting a 250.9 hectare of land reclamation.

"The land reclamation is for building of liquid storage facilities, shipyard, oil and gas fabrication yard and a dock.

"Studies show that development of the port infrastructure is viable and with potential to give positive impact and high added-value to Melaka in particular and Malaysia in general," he said in a statement here today.

He said construction of the KLIP project would involve a workforce of 115,000 people and when completed and in operation, would provide 6,000 job opportunities, comprising 60 per cent skilled workers, 30 per cent in technical engineering 'and 10 per cent management personnel.

"The state government and KLIP always give priority to local residents in the recruitment of the workforce, and will set up a fund or cooperative for fishermen, as well as continue to carry out corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities," he added.

He said the project also created new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, besides being one of the main contributors to the state's economy.

Meanwhile, Sulaiman said with the coming of Aidiladha, the state government was also providing RM200 each to fishermen in Kuala Linggi.

-- BERNAMA