LAHAD DATU: The Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) and Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC) announced a shared commitment to rejuvenate Darvel Bay Plaza, Lahad Datu’s premier commercial complex, through a comprehensive turnaround initiative focused on restoring value, operations and trust.
The initiative was officially introduced during the Darvel Bay Plaza Townhall Meeting recently, led by Sedco Group General Manager Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng, together with SUDC management; SUDC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Afizal Aldin, SUDC General Manager Anthony Undan Dumpangol, joined by property stakeholders, including the owners, tenants and buyers.
The townhall marked the beginning of a united effort between Sedco, SUDC and Darvel Bay Plaza’s property owners to address long-standing operational challenges and unlock the mall’s full potential.
Sedco and SUDC have developed a strategic turnaround plan, developed in collaboration with TS Wong Biz Solutions, an appointed specialist with proven success in revitalising underperforming malls.
Presented during the townhall, the plan focused on key priorities such as improving maintenance standards, strengthening tenant management, optimising retail mix and enhancing customer experience while ensuring financial transparency and accountability to all stakeholders.
“We’ve been pumping in our own capital just to keep the mall afloat, but this can’t go on. It’s taking a huge toll on SUDC and Sedco’s finances. We simply don’t have the money anymore.
“Many buyers and owners have not paid their management fees, with arrears nearing RM3 million. We understand times are tough, but without those payments, maintenance and operations cannot continue properly,” James highlighted in his speech.
Moving forward, Sedco and SUDC introduced a more structured communication method and reporting mechanisms to keep owners informed of each progress and development milestone.
Sedco and SUDC emphasised that the success of this initiative will depend on the shared commitment of all stakeholders to work together as sustained progress shall require active cooperation from owners in meeting their management obligations to support the mall’s operations and upkeep.
With its prime location, strong local population base and steady foot traffic, Darvel Bay Plaza remains a key commercial asset with significant growth opportunities.
Many existing tenants continue to record healthy business performance, reflecting the mall’s promising market potential once improvement measures are fully implemented.
Sedco and SUDC are confident that through this collective effort, Darvel Bay Plaza can be transformed into a vibrant and profitable mall, generating benefits for investors, businesses and the wider Lahad Datu community.
