ALOR STAR – Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd will embark on a mixed real estate project in Langkawi’s Padang Matsirat with a gross development value of RM40 billion over the next 20 years.
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told the press here today that the initiative is a much-needed shot in the arm for the island’s tourism sector, and Widad has paid a commitment fee of millions of ringgit to the state as a guarantee that the project will take off.
“At this moment, the company is applying to buy land, and once this is completed, the earthworks can begin.
“The commitment fee will be reimbursed when 40% of the project is completed.”
The project will see a new township created near Langkawi International Airport, featuring cottage industries, commercial shoplots, private medical facilities, institutions of higher learning, and affordable housing.
“It will be a high-impact project destined to spark growth. The investments will be rolled out in stages between 15 and 20 years,” said Sanusi.
“We hope to better position Langkawi as a tourism hub, in line with its Unesco international geopark status.”
Widad, whose niches include construction, is led by chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Sanusi said Kedah will set up operations rooms in 15 districts to assist the public during the movement control order, which will be in force in the state starting Friday.
Given the spike in Covid-19 cases nationwide, he said, Kedah will bar public gatherings for the upcoming Thaipusam and Chinese New Year festivals.
He said the state will allow drive-throughs where people can collect prayer items and oranges, among others, so as to prevent crowds from forming, in line with the standard operating procedures against the coronavirus.
Sanusi urged people to don masks in public, observe good hygiene and practise physical distancing. – The Vibes, January 20, 2021
