PETALING JAYA: Bin Zayed International LLC's (BZI) decision to withdraw from the RM40bil Langkasuka project in Langkawi demonstrates a failure for Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, claims Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
The Sungai Petani MP, who is also Kedah PKR Youth Chief, said that the project, which was promised as a catalyst for Langkawi's progress, was now at risk of being abandoned.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday (Nov 23), Dr Taufiq urged Sanusi to be accountable and explain the reason for the withdrawal.
"BZI group managing director Sheikh Midhat Kidwai said the company no longer sees profit potential in this project since 2022.
"This statement shows the failure of the state government in planning and managing mega projects involving large investments.
"More worryingly, the administration is unable to provide the necessary infrastructure and policies to attract and retain investor confidence," he said.
Dr Taufiq also said that the Kedah Mentri Besar could not simply point fingers at others when international investors withdraw.
According to him, the people of Kedah are now worried about the spillover effects of this issue, given that next year is Visit Kedah Year 2025 (TMK2025).
"If this situation continues, it may tarnish Kedah's image as a tourist destination, with tourists opting to visit other locations like Thailand that offer better infrastructure and more attractive tourist opportunities," he said.
He said the people of Kedah, especially in Langkawi, deserved answers to this disappointment, including a recovery plan to avoid similar failures in the future.
Dr Taufiq also said that Sanusi needed to understand that project withdrawals like this had significant implications for the economy and the state's reputation.
Previously, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reported that the global investment conglomerate, Bin Zayed International Group of Companies (BZI), had confirmed its official withdrawal from the RM40bil Langkasuka project in Langkawi.
Bin Zayed International (M) Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy told Sinar Harian that it was because the company wanted to focus on better opportunities.
