PETALING JAYA: Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd (WBG) is planning to build a mixed development named Widad@Langkasuka in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, with an estimated gross development value of RM40 billion.
Expected to be completed within 15 to 20 years, the announcement of the project commencement was made in Kedah by Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
WBG, a wholly bumiputra private company owned by Kedah-born Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat Abdullah, is a majority stakeholder of Bursa-listed Widad Group Bhd and Dataprep Holdings Bhd.
Widad@Langkasuka is a modern development with an Islamic and tropical vernacular concept that aims to change the landscape of Pulau Langkawi and become the main attraction of the island. Currently, almost 90% of the 1,979-acre site consists of the ocean, therefore WBG intends to erect a man-made island which will eventually span 1,000 acres or 50% of the entire area.
Widad@Langkasuka will, after completion, comprise tourism components such as five- and six-star hotel & resorts, an international golf course located beside the Marina Yacht Club, an international business and office complex, shopping malls, institutes of higher learning, healthcare facilities and luxury residences.
Widad Business Group founder and group executive chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal said: “Besides elevating Langkawi’s status into a world-renowned tourism destination and increasing the flow of foreign investment, the development of Widad@Langkasuka will stimulate the local economy and provide many more jobs to Malaysian citizens.
“For the state, this will also translate into additional tourism revenue and higher value of land in the surrounding area.”
