KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Land Bhd will help Sabah state government's strategic investment arm Qhazanah Sabah Bhd to develop Bandar Digital Tun Said township, which is located about 5km from Kota Belud town.
The two companies inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project on Friday (November 26).
Under the MoU, Qhazanah Sabah will facilitate and participate in the investment via the land acquisition administrative matters while BLand will play a role as the developer.
The latter's scope will include preparing the development plan, design, planning and construction of the township.
BLand parent Berjaya Corp Bhd non-executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun said as a leading property developer, BLand had been delivering innovative development projects in Malaysia as well as abroad.
"BLand is honoured to be a part of this initiative and contribute towards the economic and social development of Kota Belud. We are grateful for the trust that Qhazanah Sabah has placed in us to deliver this project," Tan said in a statement.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jaffry Ariffin said Bandar Digital Tun Said 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.
He said Kota Belud was becoming a district with an ageing population as youths there sought opportunities in Kota Kinabalu and elsewhere.
"Kota Belud is in need of a stimulus. 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, Jaffry said, adding that Bandar Digital Tun Said would stem and reverse this outflow of Kota Belud young talents by creating numerous business opportunities and jobs.
"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.
Apart from being a commercial and residential development, Bandar Digital Tun Said will also provide housing for Kota Belud civil servants who were currently occupying dilapidated government quarters.