The Sabah State is keen to develop the quiet Kota Belud into a bustling modern town, the state is down so with the collaboration of Berjaya Land in what will be a transformation to an ICT township.
Through the states investment arm Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, both parties will develop Bandar Digital Tun Said located about 5km from Kota Belud town.
According to State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jaffry, Bandar Digital Tun Said township was not only a catalyst in stimulating economic growth in Sabah’s northern region but also enhancing Kota Belud’s position as a tourism town and in line with the Bira-Biraan Smart City project. “Kota Belud is in need of a stimulus,” Jaffry said in describing the town as quiet in terms of activities and comparatively limited in development. He said Kota Belud was becoming a district with an ageing population as youths there sought opportunities in Kota Kinabalu and elsewhere.
“More job opportunities can be provided via the upgrade of infrastructure and amenities. One way or the other, we can take the opportunity from this development to explore tourism expansion and prevent mass migration from the district to other, particularly amongst youth,” said Jaffry. Apart from being a commercial and residential development, Bandar Digital Tun Said would also provide housing for Kota Belud civil servants who were currently occupying dilapidated government quarters.
Under the MoU, QSB’s role is to facilitate and participate in the investment via the land acquisition administrative matters while B-Land will play a role as the developer of which scope will include preparing the development plan, design, planning and construction of the township.
“As a leading property developer, B-Land has been delivering innovative development projects in Malaysia as well as abroad. B-Land is honoured to be a part of this initiative and contribute to the economic and social development of Kota Belud. We are grateful for the trust that QSB has placed in us to deliver this project,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan.
