Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has distanced himself and the state government from the fallout over Bin Zayed International’s (BZI) withdrawal from the RM40 billion Langkasuka development in Langkawi. Sanusi emphasized that the state bears no financial losses from the Dubai-based firm’s decision to exit the ambitious project.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, Sanusi expressed surprise at being blamed for the withdrawal. “This is a private partnership project. Companies withdrawing from investments isn’t unusual, but I don’t understand why this issue is being raised now,” he said. “Some are pointing fingers at me even though I have no connection to Bin Zayed, and I don’t even know them.”
Sanusi clarified that the partnership between BZI and Widad Business Group was announced in 2021 under the leadership of then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, not by the Kedah state government. He added that questions about the deal’s collapse should be directed to Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abd Aziz, who was serving as finance minister at the time.
Political Criticism
The controversy resurfaced after Kedah PKR Youth chief Dr. Taufiq Johari called on Sanusi to explain why BZI pulled out of the project. Dr. Taufiq alleged that the firm’s withdrawal was indicative of weaknesses in the state government’s leadership.
However, Sanusi dismissed these accusations, reiterating that the project was never directly under the state’s purview. “This isn’t about the Kedah government’s leadership. The deal was facilitated at the federal level, and those involved should provide answers,” he stated.
The Langkasuka Vision
The Langkasuka project, spearheaded by Widad Business Group, envisioned the creation of a massive mixed-use development spanning 1,000 acres of artificial islands shaped like an eagle, a nod to Langkawi’s iconic symbol. Located in a bay near Langkawi International Airport, the development aimed to enhance the island’s appeal as a global tourism and investment hub.
In 2021, Widad brought BZI on board to provide expertise and investment support for the project, which was touted as a transformative initiative for Langkawi. However, by 2022, BZI decided to end its involvement, citing a lack of long-term value.
Moving Forward
Sanusi stressed that the withdrawal would not halt progress on the Langkasuka project. While BZI’s exit represents a significant setback, Widad Business Group has not announced any cancellation or delay. “The project continues as planned, and it is a private initiative. The state government’s role remains limited,” he said.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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