The Johor menteri besar has clarified there has been no relocation of Muslim graves to make way for the construction of the RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Intergrated Complex (Rapid) project in Pengerang.     

In a statement issued in Johor Baharu today, Abdul Ghani Othman also clarified that the state government was working closely with the Chinese associations to find an amicable solution to the relocation of Chinese cemeteries.     

"There has been no relocation of Muslim graves. As for Chinese cemeteries, the state government is working closely with Chinese associations to find an amicable solution to the relocation of the graves," he said.     

The menteri besar was reponding to media reports on the Rapid project and the relocation of Chinese graves by Johor MCA deputy chairman Hoo Seong Chang yesterday.     

Hoo, when met by reporters, said the Johor MCA would meet family members linked to the 3,000 Chinese graves which would be affected by the relocation.     

Abdul Ghani also clarified yesterday's news reports, which stated the 100-odd police reports received by the Kota Tinggi police from Pengerang residents, on the issue of the grave relocation.    

According to the menteri besar, the 100-odd police reports were not exclusively on the grave issue, but also included cumulative reports covering other matters, pertaining to the Pengerang oil and gas developments.     

- Bernama