KOTA KINABALU: Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, the State’s strategic investment arm, is on track towards helping transform Sabah after undergoing its own
metamorphosis over the past two years.
Formerly known as Warisan Harta Sdn Bhd, the company underwent a rebranding to become Qhazanah Sabah Berhad or QSB with a firm eye on the future.
The transformation within QSB along with the company’s renewed focus on
investments aimed at future-proofing Sabah’s economy came in the wake of
former Chief Minister Datuk Salleh Tun Said’s appointment as company
Chairman.
“Salleh, the Usukan State Assemblyman, was instrumental in establishing the
State’s investment arm in 1995 when serving as Chief Minister.
” Following its inception 27 years ago, Qhazanah’s diversified portfolio
encompassed logistics including port operations, finance, telecommunication
infrastructure, energy, and healthcare services, said the company in a statement.
Over the past two years however, QSB has been focusing on ventures that
would move the State’s economy forward – an example includes the rebranding
of KOJASA Holdings Bhd and launching of KOJASA Mart – retail outlets with
backroom operations driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
With the future in mind, QSB is also exploring the use of electric-powered
public transportation. It is conducting a trial run for an electric bus
service in Kota Kinabalu until year end.
Ultimately, the plan calls for electric buses to be integrated into the
City’s public transportation service.
This would however take time as QSB would need to get feedback from various
stakeholders including authorities such as Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the
Commercial Vehicles Licencing Board, Road Transport Department, as well as
other ministries and departments.
Apart from the authorities, QSB would also be engaging those who already
providing public transportation services such as bus and minibus operators
before moving forward with the plan.
QSB is also affiliated with a proposed rapid transit system for the State
Capital that would stretch from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)
to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The project would be undertaken over two phases, the first being a 10.5km
sky train service linking KKIA to the KK Central and Gaya Street terminals
at the city centre and onto a 64ha mixed commercial development known as a
Jesselton New City along Likas Bay.
It had been estimated that the first phase would take about three years to
be completed with funding by a group of investors.
QSB is exploring the possible relocation of the KKIA to meet the anticipated
increase of demand for air travel apart from using Sabah’s geographically
central location in Southeast Asia to transform the State into an air travel
hub.
It is in consultation with various government agencies and authorities on
the proposed relocation which had been suggested as early as 2018 amid
reports of congestion at the existing airport.
Planning on the relocation of KKIA from now is timely as a project of this
magnitude could take at least 8 to 10 years to be completed.
The company is also working on transforming the quiet northern town of Kota Belud into a bustling urban centre through a new information and
communication (ICT) driven Bandar Digital Tun Said satellite township.
The new township would spell job opportunities for Kota Belud youths, some of whom have headed to Kota Kinabalu and elsewhere in search of work
resulting in an ageing population in the district.
Apart from being a commercial and residential development, the proposed
Bandar Digital Tun Said would also provide housing for Kota Belud civil
servants who were currently occupying delipidated government quarters.
QSB is also helping to assist in flood alleviation measures in Kota Belud by
introducing a systematic and sustainable approach in sand mining activities
in the district.
The company is also tapping into Sabah’s potential for renewable energy. It
is working on ventures into generating power from solar and hydro.
It is working with several firms on a joint venture basis to sustainably
generate electricity with projects planned along Sabah’s West and East
Coasts.
QSB is also working on developing modern waste management facilities in
Sabah using advanced technologies.
The company is also working on the development and management of utilities
under the Sabah Utility Corridor.
With its vast experience in providing cellular telecommunications
infrastructure, QSB is working towards providing advanced digital
innovations and solutions using 5G connectivity in Sabah.
QSB is paving the way for a build-up in Sabah’s involvement in the digital
content industry through its Industry Bridging Programme (IBP).
Never forgetting its roots, QSB has been consistent in giving back to the
community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company provided relief to
frontliners through contributions ranging from meals to laptop computers.
The company has also contributed to the less fortunate by providing medical
aid such as wheelchairs to villagers, as well as chairs and canopies for the
community’s use.
It has helped to improve the lives of rural communities by financially
contributing to various initiatives such as water supply schemes
