KUDAT: The Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the proposed Kudat Blue Economy Industrial Park (KBEIP) is developed with the people and for the people through inclusive engagement with local communities.
The commitment was demonstrated through a series of community engagement sessions and site visits held on July 15 and 16 at Kampung Limau-Limauan, here.
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Sedco said the engagement was more than a technical planning exercise, as it reflects the corporation’s belief that sustainable development must begin with listening to the aspirations, concerns and expectations of communities who will be directly impacted by the project.
Mandated by the State Government to prepare the Masterplan for the proposed KBEIP, the project will be developed on approximately 1,205 acres of Sedco-owned land. It aims to establish a new economic growth hub for northern Sabah while preserving Kudat’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.
The engagement session, jointly facilitated by the Kudat District Office, brought together residents and community leaders from Kampung Limau-Limauan, members of the Kudat District Development Action Committee (JTPDK), as well as representatives from the Kudat Parliamentary constituency and the State Legislative Assemblies of Banggi, Tanjong Kapor and Matunggong.
The Sedco delegation was led by Chairman Datuk Masiung Banah, accompanied by Group General Manager Datuk Ar James Wong Kein Peng and Deputy Group General Manager Azrul Ahmad.
Also present were Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi, Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin and representatives from various government agencies.
During the engagement, Sedco received feedback from local communities on key matters, including land issues, infrastructure, utilities, environmental protection, fisheries, mangrove conservation, employment opportunities and the involvement of local entrepreneurs in future economic activities.
Sedco emphasised that these engagements are not merely consultation sessions but form an important part of the planning process to ensure that the KBEIP Masterplan reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
All feedback, concerns and suggestions raised by the communities will be carefully evaluated and considered in refining the development plan.
If implemented, KBEIP has the potential to become a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation by attracting domestic and international investments, creating quality employment opportunities, supporting skills development and strengthening local industries across Kudat, Banggi, Kota Marudu and Pitas.
Sedco envisions KBEIP as an inclusive industrial ecosystem where local communities play an active role as partners in economic growth.
Opportunities are expected to be created across various sectors, including construction, logistics, marine services, food production, maintenance, hospitality and supporting industries, enabling local entrepreneurs and businesses to participate in the industrial value chain.
Masiung said successful development should not only be measured through infrastructure and investment value, but also through the positive impact it creates for communities.
“The success of KBEIP will not be determined by the buildings we construct, but by the trust we build with our communities. Our objective is to ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship, social inclusion and better opportunities for future generations,” he said.
He added that Sedco remains committed to working closely with the people of Kudat throughout the planning process, recognising that sustainable long-term development can only be achieved through genuine partnership, transparency and mutual respect.
The KBEIP Masterplan Study is currently progressing ahead of schedule and has reached its interim stage. The study is expected to be completed before the end of 2026 before being submitted to the State Government for further consideration.
In line with its broader mission of empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs, Sedco also announced its intention to collaborate with qualified local businesses within Kudat and surrounding areas through its upcoming Tabung Usahawan Bumiputera initiative.
Through the initiative, Sedco plans to allocate a portion of its annual net profit towards entrepreneurship development, supporting local businesses in building the capacity required to participate in future economic opportunities arising from KBEIP.
As Sedco continues to advance the KBEIP Masterplan, the corporation remains committed to ensuring that community voices remain central throughout every stage of planning, laying the foundation for a development that is economically transformative, environmentally responsible and beneficial for future generations of Sabahans.
