Multibillion skytrain and city projects have minimal environmental impact, says Bung Moktar

 By Olivia Miwil - November 29, 2021 @ 2:00pm

An artist impression of multibillion skytrain and city development project in Sabah. - NSTP/Olivia Miwil

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin today said the RM2.425 billion skytrain (25.5km) and RM5 billion Jesselton New City projects would have minimal environmental impact.

The skytrain, which will be built in two phases, spans from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Jesselton New City next to Tanjung Lipat, Jesselton Central terminal to the State and Federal government administrative centre, University Malaysia Sabah and Alamesra commercial.

"This is good for Sabah and its people, this is part of the game changers for the state economy.

"Anything we propose, people will object but sooner or later they will accept it as it for their own good," he said, adding that the environmental impact assessment had been done and would not affect the marine ecosystem especially at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

The Lamag assemblyman also said that prior to the ground-breaking of the project in Feb next year, the entourage would visit the skytrain factory and study how it is run in China.

Earlier, Bung witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between representatives of the four companies here to further explore the project implementation.

The companies are WHSB Ventures Sdn Bhd, Vizione Construction Sdn Bhd, Sycal Skycity Sdn Bhd and Guangcai China (M) Sdn Bhd.

The MoU is to establish a formal non-binding collaboration and cooperation related to the preparation and implementation of the project pending final negotiations.

The first phase encompasses the initial portion of the Skytrain as well as a 64-hectare mixed commercial development to be built along the Likas Bay.

The first portion of the Skytrain to be built over three years and funded by a group of investors while the second phase, to be known as KKIA Express Line 2 is to be implemented via a private funding initiative (PFI).

On the Jesselton New City project along the scenic Tanjung Lipat, which is to be finished in six years, the development package on this land would be to reciprocate the investors in the joint venture company for this development.