KOTA KINABALU – Kota Belud is expecting some rejuvenation, as it is set to get a new information and communication technology (ICT)-driven satellite township named Bandar Digital Tun Said.
The Sabah government’s strategic investment arm, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB), is teaming up with Berjaya Land Bhd (B-Land) to develop the town located 5km from Kota Belud town.
The two companies inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project yesterday, witnessed by state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Under the MoU, QSB’s role is to facilitate and participate in the investment via land acquisition administrative matters, while B-Land will play a role as the developer – of which scope will include preparing the development plan, design, and construction.
Apart from being a commercial and residential development, Bandar Digital Tun Said will provide housing for Kota Belud civil servants currently occupying dilapidated government quarters.
The development will be done in line with smart city objectives that use ICT, technology, and innovation advances to address urban issues, including a clean and sustainable environment, and security through the application of technology and smart solutions.
Jafry said the new township will not only become a catalyst in stimulating economic growth in Sabah’s northern region, but will also enhance Kota Belud’s position as a tourism town in line with the Bira-Biraan Smart City project.
“Kota Belud is a quiet town in terms of activities and its comparatively limited development. It is becoming a district with an ageing population as the youth seek opportunities in Kota Kinabalu and elsewhere. This district is in need of a stimulus.
“More job opportunities can be provided via the upgrade of infrastructure and amenities. One way or another, we can take the opportunity from this development to explore tourism expansion and prevent mass migration from the district, particularly among the youth.
“As a self-sustainable urban centre, this township will be a catalyst in promoting growth via its adaptive features that cater to the needs of future generations,” he added.
At the MoU signing, QSB was represented by executive director Mohd Shukor Abdul Mumin, and signing on behalf of B-Land was chairman Tun Richard Malanjum. B-Land is the subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Bhd (BCorp).
BCorp non-executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan said B-Land has been delivering innovative development projects in Malaysia, as well as abroad, and is honoured to be a part of this initiative and contribute towards the economic and social development of Kota Belud.
Also present were QSB chairman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, QSB group chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Rizal Dahli, B-Land CEO Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, and Berjaya EnviroParks Sdn Bhd senior general manager Koh Chee Yong.
QSB was incorporated in 1995 as a state-linked investment arm.
The Vibes has attempted to inquire information about the project, including the timeline and cost from QSB’s corporate and media communication unit, but was told that it is not ready to be revealed. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
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