IT is up to the Kedah government to approve projects in Langkawi, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad, following reports that a developer will embark on a RM30 billion project on the island.

“Anyone can invest in Langkawi if they have the money. It’s up to the state government whether to approve,” said the prime minister after a Pakatan Harapan presidential meeting at the Bersatu office in Petaling.

“This is a project in the state of Kedah, so it will be dealt with by the state.”

His remarks followed reports that Ting Pek Khiing will build the Langkawi New City on 81ha of reclaimed land off the west side of the island.

The project, to be undertaken by Ting’s group of companies, will be launched today.

Ting did not name the companies that will be involved in the project.

The Langkawi New City will see the construction of 30,000 high-end condominium units, commercial centres, berthing facilities for ocean liners and yachts, and other facilities.

Ting said the development is expected to be completed in 10 years’ time, or even earlier.

It was reported that the project is expected to spur foreign investments in Langkawi, and will be the biggest that Ting has ever embarked on since he started business on the island in 1991.

He built a hotel on the island in a record 100 days, in preparation for the inaugural Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exposition that year.

The Sarawak-born businessman said he has spent more than 20 years on the plan for the Langkawi New City, adding that it has won recognition from developers in France, Russia and South Korea. – June 1, 2018.