The RM40 billion Widad Langkasuka mixed-use development in Langkawi, Kedah, is intended to be a tourism destination built on the paradigm of "Malay vernacular architecture" - based on the archipelago's history of designs that integrate green and eco-friendly native tropical features.
Widad Langkasuka will establish a smart city using sustainable technology that preserves the island's geographical nature and rich cultural heritage, to complement the integrated development's homes, businesses, educational facilities, and medical hub.
The project was hailed by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor since it met all six requirements of the Kedah Development Plan 2035.
On Oct 23, 2022, a groundbreaking ceremony was held by Widad Business Group (WBG) Sdn Bhd through its wholly-owned subsidiary Langkasuka Land Sdn Bhd (LLSB) to kick off construction on Langkasuka Village, phase 1 of the project.
LLSB picked WBG's wholly-owned subsidiary, Widad Builders Sdn Bhd, last month as the contractor for the RM40 million earthworks package for the phase 1 construction.
The earthwork package's groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Muhammad Sanusi, and is targeted to be completed by Aug 3, 2023.
When Widad Langkasuka is fully constructed in the future, he believes that it will be an iconic product and a distinctive attraction to Langkawi.
This project, which spans around 809.7 hectares, consists of a hospital, housing development, recreational areas, and a higher education facility.
According to a statement released by WBG on Oct 25, founder and group executive chairman Tan Sri Ikmal Opat Abdullah's grand dream of transforming and paving the way for Langkawi to evolve from being the jewel of Kedah to becoming the "it" destination of the world was given the green light by the approval of the rezoning of land use and the obtaining of development planning approval
"As a high-impact project, Widad Langkasuka will be built by focusing on the concept of providing conducive infrastructure and facilities to unleash Langkawi as a tourist destination of global standards," he said.
With the tagline "Evolving Legacy," Widad Langkasuka seeks to preserve the extensive history of prehistoric Langkasuka and transform it into a cutting-edge city in the future.
The eagle-shaped artificial islands known as Langkasuka City will be developed as part of Langkasuka Village. The Langkasuka Golf and Country Club, a championship-caliber golf course with a 400,000-square-foot built-up clubhouse, will be a part of it.
Luxury villas set amidst a vast golf course will be available at LangVilla, along with serviced apartments, a rainforest-themed hotel that touches the Andaman Sea, and a mall with both indoor and outdoor retail and entertainment options.
The opening of Langkasuka Village, according to Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, will further promote the island's tourism enterprises and activities, particularly among affluent visitors.
"This initiative, which aligns well with the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030, will not only harness the competitiveness of Malaysia's tourism industry but will also enable local communities to achieve socio-economic developments. Mida will stand ready to facilitate and support Widad Business Group's project implementation and future expansion," Arham noted.