KOTA KINABALU: DEVELOPERS and investors are turning their attention to Kinarut, the transit township in Papar, as the RM13 billion Pan-Borneo Highway takes shape.
Big corporations are forecasting strong growth in the area, located about 20km south of the state capital, in anticipation of the ambitious highway project.
The first phase of construction will run through Kinarut.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the flood-free area was strategically located south of here with good road and rail connections, as well as infrastructure that supports the growing residential and commercial needs.
“Kinarut has what it takes to be a focal point for investors on property, tourism and other commercial ventures,” she said, adding that it was also an existing education centre with several training institutes and a Mara Junior Science College in its vicinity.
“The high prices and even availability of land in neighbouring districts, such as Kota Kinabalu, Putatan and Penampang, would certainly allow for future southward expansions to Kinarut,” said Rosnah, who is also Papar member of parliament.
She said as a tourism hub and with the Kota Kinabalu International Airport about 10km away, the area was popular for its Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kinarut Mansion Ruins and Dinawan island.
“All these point to a huge potential and with the Pan-Borneo Highway under construction, it can become a reality,” Rosnah added.
The highway project has been described as a game-changer for Sabah and Sarawak.
Among the major development projects on the cards in Kinarut are The Zil@KK South, Sri Khazanah Residence, Taman Sutera Jaya, Taman Sri Juta and Rose Garden.
These developments are set to complement the existing industrial areas in Sabindo and Lok Kawi, where major corporations have started operations, such as Hwa Tai, Hing Wah Sauce and Desa Poultry.