Mega developments at KK Port
KOTA KINABALU: Mega developments are on the cards in the old Kota Kinabalu Port area that will further propel the cruise and tourism industry in Sabah.
With its strategic geographical location fronting the South China Sea against a backdrop of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the entire Kota Kinabalu Port land is in the process of being re-developed into multi-billion commercial projects. These projects include the 15-acre Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu Convention City (8.33 acres) Jesselton Quay (16.25 acres), seven-acre One Jesselton Waterfront, the proposed International Cruise Terminal (ICT) and the proposed Ferry Terminal.
Group Managing Director of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, Ng Kiat Min disclosed this in a briefing during a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, recently. The purpose was to find out how Suria Capital Holdings Berhad and the ministry can work together to bring tourism to a higher level.
“These developments are collectively known as the Jesselton Waterfront City (JWC). They will complement each other and transform the entire old KK Port area into an integrated worldclass waterfront destination, and this colossal change will place KK on the regional and international map,” she said.
On the conceptualisation of JWC, Ng, who led a five-member delegation, said Sabahans will see the ultimate crystallisation of an affluent and elite waterfront community whereby patrons will be able to enjoy benefits and services unseen and unheard of in Sabah, adding JWC will exude a powerful appeal to both investors and visitors alike.
All mega developments will be undertaken by Suria Capital Holdings Berhad whose major shareholder is the State Government of Sabah. It is a listed company in Malaysia since 1996, involved in the transportation and logistics industry. Its principal businesses are port operations and property development. Liew, who is also Api-Api Assemblywoman, is glad to note that JWC is a spectacular development and set to become the city’s latest tourism frontier.
“It is exciting to learn that JWC is designed to create a modern and friendly atmosphere focal point for people to work, play, shop, dine and indulge in the 3Rs, that is, a fun combination of sun, sea and sand. I am given to understand that JWC is poised to become the extension of Kota Kinabalu’s Central Business District (CBD) a new city focus that is attractive, accessible, vibrant and financially viable,” she said. The minister is particularly interested in the eventual realisation of the proposed International Cruise Terminal (ICT) within the Jesselton Waterfront City (JWC). She said this is because the ICT is well-positioned to capitalise on the potential of elevating the KK waterfront area to the status of a major transportation and tourist hub “in view of the various mega developments taking place in the vicinity.”
From her observation, the ICT integrated with commercial development can be a tourist destination by itself.
“So the focus should be on promotion of tourism via development of attractions for both local and international tourists in quest of leisure, recreational activities and cultural experiences. Development of this magnitude will spur the State’s economic development through creation of employment opportunities and increased spending,” Liew enthused.
In her briefing on the ReDevelopment of KK Port into a Cruise and Tourism-related Commercial Property, Ng, who is also Managing Director of Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB), said the proposed ICT development will be based on a low-density, lowrise model to preserve the water feature, minimise environmental impact and to avoid obstructing the view of the surrounding developments. For connectivity, the proposed ICT and all the developments within the KK Port land will be integrated and linked by a board walk featuring shops, eateries, amusement centres, night life and lodging.
“To make way for the proposed development of the ICT, plans are underway for the construction of a new terminal in Sapanggar Bay for relocation of the general cargo operation at the existing KK Port,” she added.
The new facility may be known as Sapanggar Bay Conventional Cargo Terminal. Liew said she looks forward to collaboration between her ministry and Suria Capital Holdings Berhad in efforts to take the State’s tourism development to new heights.
In response, Ng, who is also the CEO of Suria Group, said Kota Kinabalu has in support of the tourism industry in Sabah accommodated cruise vessels from all over the world as a port of call since the 1970s. “Some 40 cruise ships have called at KK Port. When the passengers disembark, they are naturally tourists and are allowed to spend at least 12 hours in the city before coming on board again.”
Cruise ships include Discovery, Legend of the Seas, Ocean Dream, Pacific Princess, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Sea Princess and Super Star Gemini.
Replying to the minister’s question, she said funding is required for cruise tourism in Sabah, particularly for the proposed dredging works at approaching channels of the KK Port and Sandakan Port to accommodate larger cruise vessels.
In her presentation, Ng showed slides on the ongoing and proposed major developments at the existing KK Port. Jesselton Quay, which sits on 16.25 acres of prime land at KK Port, is one of the projects identified alongside the proposed ICT.
According to Ng, it is a strategic initiative under “Cities As Growth Poles (Private Investments)” of the 11th Malaysia Plan.
“It is a mixed development with a net saleable value of RM1.8 billion. Construction of its first phase of development known as the Jesselton Quay Central (JQC) commenced in February 2017,” she said.
The four-acre JQC will have five components, namely 25-storey Commercial Suites, a tropicalthemed Beach Club (Recreation Club), City Pads, 37 Retail Shoppes and a Hotel Tower. JQX is expected to be completed by end of 2020 while phase two of Jesselton Quay will commence this year and is targeted for completion by 2023.
On One Jesselton Waterfront, Ng explained that it is another mixed development project with a net saleable value of RM1.8 billion on seven acres of KK Port land.
“Construction is expected to start this year and will comprise hotels, a retail mall, servicedsuites, offices and a carpark.”
Enlightening the minister further, Ng said within the overall master plan of JWC, there is already a plan to construct a new and modern ferry terminal with enhanced capacity and equipped with various amenities to cater for the growing number of visitors to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
“In fact, there is a proposal to link the existing ferry terminal at Jesselton Point to other major hotspots or attractions/destinations along the KK coastline via water taxi services.”
Located at Jesselton Point (in the vicinity of KK Port), the current ferry terminal is the primary gateway and transportation hub that provides centralised ferry services to the Labuan Federal Territory and the nearby hotspot islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (namely, Gaya Island, Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island and Sulug Island).
Also present were outgoing permanent secretary to the ministry, Datuk Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, Datin Mariam Mahmun (SCHB Head, Group Corporate Affairs & Communications), Azman Amarashikin (CEO, SCHB Engineering Services Sdn Bhd), Noorida Baharuddin (SCHB Chief Financial Officer) and Soh Wan Ru (SCHB Head, Group Corporate Planning & Development).