LANGKAWI: BDB Land Sdn Bhd (BDB Land), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bina Darulaman Bhd (BDB) has entered a collaboration with Enfiniti Escapes (M) Sdn Bhd to develop an eco-resort in Darulaman Sanctuary's pristine forest here.
BDB executive director Raja Shahreen Raja Othman said the partnership marks the company's venture into a sustainable development of forest chalets and other eco-tourism-concept developments in the four-hectare forest located in Lubuk Semilang.
"We will be focusing on an environmental-sustainable development packaged with all sorts of activities that people can enjoy within this pristine 1,000-year-old forest located adjacent to Dream Forest.
"Our intention is to maintain this forest natural attractions in line with Langkawi's status as the Unesco Global Geopark," he told a press conference after the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both parties here today.
Raja Shahreen represented BDB Land while Enfiniti Group of Companies was represented by its president Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina.
Present were Langkawi District Officer Mohamad Subhi Abdullah, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah's chief executive officer Datuk Isahak Murat and Enspire Ventures chairman Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi.
Raja Shahreen said BDB Land will conduct comprehensive land surveys to identify the designated development areas while Enfiniti Escapes will focus on the overall concept and design of the development based on studies conducted by BDB Land.
"Additionally, to ensure alignment with conservation goals and environmental sustainability, BDB Land will collaborate with FRIM Incorporated Sdn Bhd," he said.
Asked on the timeframe for the proposed eco-resort development, he said works would start as soon as the company obtain approval from all relevant authorities.
Raja Shahreen added that the collaboration is another ongoing effort by BDB through BDB Land to create new attractions in Langkawi and boosting the state's tourism industry through the development of the island resort.
"With this latest collaboration, I anticipate that it will further elevate the profile and add new value to Darulaman Sanctuary, especially, and Langkawi in general, particularly involving eco-tourism not only for local tourists but also international visitors.
"BDB hopes to continue actively participating in Langkawi's development and to receive good cooperation from all parties, especially local authorities, agencies, and state and federal government departments, so that together we can develop this island," he said.
Meanwhile, Tiara said Enfiniti Escapes is looking forward to offer new eco-resort experience in Langkawi through the collaboration with BDB Land.
She said it also wanted to conduct on a feasibility study on any gaps in tourism products in Langkawi, such as tented resorts.
"The concept will be based on a thorough feasibility to look at what people want to do in Langkawi and how do we attract visitors to stay longer here," said Tiara, who also operates Tiarasa luxurious glamping resort in Janda Baik, Pahang.