The Sabah State Government’s strategic investment arm, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Berjaya Land Berhad to explore the possible relocation of Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Kimanis.
Both Berjaya Land and QSB are to carry out feasibility studies and exploratory works for the proposed project however everything is preliminary at the moment until consensus with all relevant stakeholders is reached,” said Encik Ahmad Rizal Dahli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the QSB Group. He added that the Sabah government’s investment arm has been tasked with looking into various strategic development initiatives to support the economic growth of the State, including the possible relocation of KKIA to Kimanis.
QSB is looking forward to tapping on the expertise brought on board by the early partnership with B-Land, particularly on infrastructure development. According to Encik Ahmad Rizal Dahli, KKIA is unlikely to be able to expand further in operational terms, including expansion of its terminal building and runway as well as other facilities, due to limited land area and its current location, which is surrounded by privately owned land and its proximity to Kota Kinabalu city centre.
The State views the relocation, which could result in the airport having more than one terminal building and runway, will be advantageous to the airport in leveraging its geographic location in Southeast Asia.
The possibilities are there,” Encik Ahmad Rizal added. Meanwhile, B-Land’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Syed Ali Shahul Hameed, said “As a leading property developer, B-Land is honoured to be a part of this initiative and be given the opportunity to contribute positively towards the economic and social development of the state of Sabah.”
The MoU covers the relocation of KKIA involving the construction and development of a new international airport in Kimanis as well as a sustainable development plan to be undertaken within Kimanis or on any other land deemed suitable by the Sabah State Government. A special purpose vehicle will undertake the Proposed Project upon completion of a detailed technical and financial feasibility study, strategic business plan, and financial modelling proposal to be agreed upon by both parties.
