Property Hunter Magazine Property Hunter Magazine Issue 52 - March 2014 | Page 64

/// East Malaysia Property News Setting Up China ConsulGeneral Office in KK Lauded Sabah-Labuan Bridge Almost Ready to Be Built Labuan Entreport and the Sabah-Labuan Bridge to be assigned by the developer. The overall construction cost of the bridge, port and reclamation of the islands with basic infrastructure are estimated at US$5.4 billion and the overall development cost over 20 years is estimated at US$20 billion. Datuk Seri Winston Liaw (second, right) and Jacky (second, left) together with Margaret (right) and Thomson (left) of Airworld Travel, awarded “Asia’s Best Service Excellence” The Federation of Chinese Associations of Sabah (FCAS) said the China Government’s decision to open a consul-general office here will boost tourism. Until July this year, Sabah recorded 204,129 tourist arrival from China, surpassing the 193,010 recorded last year. The move was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Friday after his meeting with visiting China President Xi Jinping. China Government will set up the consulate in KK and Penang while Malaysia will set up a similar office in Nanning. FCAS president Datuk TC Goh said he was convinced that the decision would further strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two nations. confidence of Chinese tourists to come here,” he said in Press statement. Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA) chairman Datuk Seri Winston Liaw also welcomed the move as it would give sense of security to its people. “If they encounter any problems while on holiday here, they can go straight to the embassy office to seek help,” he added. Winston also added that the move would enable people of Sabah to apply visa to visit or stay in China without much hassle. “This will help to save time and money as at present applicants have to deal the matter in Sarawak or Kuala Lumpur,” he said. “We will give full support and assistance to the setting up of the office to ensure its speedy and smooth establishment. “The move will definitely benefit the state as a whole, particulary Kota Kinabalu, as it will boost 64 www.PropertyHunter.com.my A new bridge linking Sabah with Labuan Island is timely to cater for the continuous growth of the oil and gas industry and its related businesses, said architect of Labuan Bridge, Sim Sie Hong. expertise and the chairman of the company, Tan Sri Harris Salleh has an outstanding working relationship with the present government of Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The need for the bridge was long overdue, he said yesterday during a briefing session for the leaders of Malay, Kadazandusun, Chinese and Indian chambers of commerce at Tiara Labuan Hotel. “Shandong Laigang Construction Co. Ltd has assets in China exceeding RMB80 billion with a paid up capital of RMB1 billion. Shandong Laigang is also part of Shandong Steel, which is listed in the Shanghai Stock Exchange. “When the bridge is completed, the new integrated entreport in Labuan and the SabahLabuan Bridge will bring business opportunities to both Sabah and Labuan. “There will be many economic spin-offs from the region especially in the Kuala Penyu peninsula stretching from Menumbok to Kuala Penyu town and toward Beaufort and Sipitang areas,” he said. Gaya House Sdn Bhd and Shandong Laigang Construction Co. Ltd. have entered into a joint venture agreement to set up a local incorporated company named Sh andong Laigang Gaya Sdn. Bhd. to undertake the development of the two projects. Hong disclosed that the combined asset of the two companies exceeded the value of RM50 billion. “Gaya House Sdn. Bhd. possess local management “They are one of the largest steel companies in China. They have been involved in the construction of the longest bridge in China, Jiaozhouwan Bridge, which is 37 Km crossing the Jiao Zhou Bay from Qingdao to Huangdao in the Shandong Province,” he said. He said Shandong Laigang Construction Co. Ltd would undertake the financing and construction of the Labuan Integrated Entreport and the Sabah-Labuan Bridge. The payment for the project from Sabah government and Labuan Corporation would be in lieu of land of 3,400 acres from Labuan Corporation and 2,000 acres from Sabah for various commercial, residential and marina development. He said the Sabah government would benefit from 2,100 acres of reclaimed land and the 30 years of operation concession right of the Hong said the 13Km SabahLabuan Bridge would not only benefit Labuan, but also to Menumbok, Kuala Penyu and its vicinity. Currently, he said there was no problem funding the projects, but they were still waiting for the approval from the Sabah and Federal governments before they can move further in implementing the projects.