KUDAT: Kudat is set to emerge as one of Southeast Asia's most important high-impact regional economic hubs once the proposed Blue Economy Industrial Park (BEIP) is implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), according to Sedco Group chairman Datuk Masiung Banah.
He said the maritime and green technology-based development would be the first of its kind in Malaysia and is expected to position Sabah as a key player in the regional blue economy.
Masiung said Sedco had been entrusted to lead the development of the industrial park in collaboration with relevant federal and state ministries, government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
He said this after chairing a meeting and engagement session on the proposed BEIP technology at the Kudat District Office on Thursday.
"The project is a large-scale development focusing on seafood-related industries and trade logistics in the Southeast Asian region.
"As the first step, the appointed consultant has been instructed to prepare the master plan, including carrying out land surveying and preliminary site works on 1,205 acres of Sedco-owned land in Kampung Limau-Limauan and Perapat Laut," he said.
Masiung, who is also the Kuamut assemblyman, said an additional 3,129 acres had been reserved for the project, covering forest reserves and mangrove areas in Matunggong, Banggi and Tanjung Kapor.
He said the strategic location of Kudat offered significant development potential due to its proximity to China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.
"The area's strategic position makes it highly suitable for regional maritime trade and logistics.
"The project will also support the livelihoods of local coastal communities by strengthening the deep-sea fishing industry and upgrading bagang fishing platforms along the coastline," he said.
Masiung said the proposed industrial zone would feature a range of high-value maritime industries that integrate environmentally friendly technologies with marine sustainability initiatives.
It also includes plans to develop a port that would serve as a regional trading zone, further enhancing Kudat's role as a maritime and logistics gateway in Southeast Asia.
Among those present during the engagement session and site visit were Banggi assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin, Sedco general manager Ar. Datuk Jemas Wong, Kudat district officer Charels William Dabbi, representatives from state and federal departments, and local residents affected by the proposed development.
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