Masidi representing the Chief Minister at the event.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has expressed confidence that the RM4.2 billion Jesselton Docklands project at the city’s waterfront will be a true game-changer for Sabah’s economy.
He said the development of the 35-acre prime port-side land, formerly the old Kota Kinabalu Port, will catalyse job creation, attract investments, boost tourism, and generate positive ripple effects across multiple sectors, including construction, retail, food and beverage, and local services.
“It is set to transform the city’s waterfront into a modern, vibrant, and sustainable urban destination. The groundbreaking of Jesselton Docklands signifies yet another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Kota Kinabalu’s historic waterfront,” he said at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Jesselton Docklands Live Lab here today.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji’s speech at the event.
Hajiji commended Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, for its unwavering commitment and strategic foresight in unlocking the potential of the iconic port site.
“Since the relocation of container operations to Sapangar Bay in 2007, Suria has remained dedicated to harnessing the immense opportunities presented by this waterfront. The company has played a pivotal role in reshaping the identity of our capital city. What was once a working port is now evolving into a thriving hub for trade, tourism, culture, and lifestyle. Syabas!” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the transformation also included relocating the main passenger terminal to the South Jetty interim terminal, paving the way for a new state-of-the-art, international-standard ferry terminal.
“This facility will enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency for travellers, while complementing the dedicated International Cruise Terminal envisioned under the Jesselton Docklands master plan,” he said.
Hajiji said these enhancements will firmly position Kota Kinabalu on the global map as a premier cruise and ferry gateway, further strengthening Sabah’s reputation as a top-tier tourism destination.
Developed in partnership with BEDI Development, the Jesselton Docklands project will feature, among others, a dedicated international cruise terminal, hotels, residences, cultural precincts, and commercial zones.
The iconic waterfront’s evolution will also be propelled by Suria’s second-phase joint venture with SBC Corporation Berhad—the Jesselton Quay development.
“Collectively, these landmark initiatives will give rise to a vibrant, contemporary, and globally connected waterfront city, seamlessly complemented by signature assets such as the Sabah International Convention Centre, the Kota Kinabalu Convention Centre, and the future International Cruise Terminal,” Hajiji said.
He stressed that the collaboration between a government-linked company like Suria and the private sector exemplifies the essence of public-private partnership, where state assets and private capital converge to drive sustainable and impactful growth.
At the same time, the project aligns with the State Government’s aspirations under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan, particularly its strategic thrusts of economic growth, sustainability, and social inclusivity.
In a separate note, Hajiji commended BEDI Development and Suria for each contributing RM100,000 towards relief efforts following the recent floods and natural disaster.
