Kota Kinabalu: Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the signing two Memoranda of Understanding between City Hall (DBKK) with Petco Trading Labuan Company Ltd and Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad (AORB) Wednesday marked a major step forward in advancing the city’s sustainable development, innovation and social wellbeing.
He said it symbolised a joint commitment to building a future-ready city that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability and community welfare.
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“Our development strategy is not reactive or isolated. It forms part of DBKK’s long-term plan to develop a green, smart and liveable city that prioritises harmony between economic progress and ecological preservation,” he said at the signing ceremony at Pacific Sutera Hotel.
Dr Sabin said the initiatives align with the Kota Kinabalu City Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and the aspirations of the Kota Kinabalu Low Carbon City Action Plan.
They also support the New Urban Agenda outlined by UN-Habitat, which promotes inclusive, climate-resilient and innovation-driven urban development.
He expressed appreciation to Petco Trading Labuan and AORB for their trust and commitment, saying without the involvement of progressive private sector partners, such ambitious visions could not be turned into impactful and effective action.
“I urge all city residents, government departments and agencies, academic institutions, industry players and civil society to continue supporting these projects,” he said.
Petco Trading Labuan, a trading arm of Petronas established in 2008, will partner with DBKK under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a biogas energy complex at the Kayu Madang landfill site.
Dr Sabin said this initiative aims to convert methane gas generated from solid waste, currently exceeding 850 tonnes daily in the West Coast area, into two Megawatts of green electricity, enough to power around 2,000 homes or several light industrial zones.
“This project is not just a waste management solution but also a catalyst for the circular economy and renewable energy sector.
“It will enhance the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector, especially in meeting sustainable production standards for local and global markets,” he said.
The project also supports the third target of DBKK’s Low Carbon City Plan, which aims to reduce urban carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, in line with Malaysia’s commitment under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Meanwhile, the MOU between DBKK and Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad (AORB) will pave the way for the development of a European Union (EU)-compliant deep-sea port in Kota Kinabalu, dedicated to tuna landing and processing.
AORB, founded in 2019 and listed on Bursa Malaysia via the Leading Entrepreneur Accelerator Platform (Leap), specialises in deep-sea fishing, tuna processing and maritime logistics that meet premium export standards, especially for markets such as the EU and Japan.
Dr Sabin said the port project will elevate Sabah’s maritime development to an international level by adhering to globally recognised port management and seafood safety standards.
“Kota Kinabalu is geographically located along the international tuna migration route in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, an area that contributes nearly 15 per cent of global tuna production according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2022 report.
“However, this potential has long remained untapped due to infrastructure constraints, lack of international compliance standards and inefficient logistics support,” he said.
The port is expected to open up new economic opportunities, including skilled employment and support industries, thereby strengthening the nation’s tuna industry ecosystem.
Dr Sabin emphasised that the success of these initiatives relies on continued cooperation between public and private sectors, as well as active community involvement.
“The future of a city is no longer determined by its physical size, but by its ability to adapt, innovate and foster smart partnerships,” he said.
