During the Portuguese era in Melaka, the relationship between Naning and Portuguese was purely based on trade. The people of Naning brought goods and items for trade such as paddy, fruits, pinang and sireh, which were traded in Melaka. The Portuguese’s also placed Naning under the supervision of a “Temenggung” ; a Portuguese national. During this period, the people of Naning were required to pay tax to the Portuguese. The Portuguese did not interfere the already existing administration in Naning, except in conducting the business with the people of Naning.

When Dutch was in Melaka, Naning signed an agreement with them in 1641. In the said agreement, Dato’ Naning agreed that whosoever was called as ‘Penghulu Naning’ needed to get verification from the Dutch Governor in Melaka, and the same was likewise requested to come to Melaka once a year to meet before the Governor. Naning also was requested to deliver tributes to the Dutch amounting to one-tenth of grains from the paddy revenues. The tax was set at four-hundred (400) grains of paddy once a year.

The British during this period also claimed Naning as part of Melaka. The statement was refuted by Penghulu Dol Said by stating that Naning is a free and independent state. The British also demanded Naning to pay tax, with the same amount as the tribute to the Dutch; and imposed the same laws that were imposed in Melaka.

As a result of refusing to obey the Company’s order, war broke out between the British and the people of Naning, under the leadership of Penghulu Dol Said. The war took place for four months; and finally on June 15, 1832, Taboh fell in the hands of the British.

This defeat caused Naning to be incorporated in the state of Melaka; and was placed under the Alor Gajah District Office administration.