Zecon Berhad signs MoU for development of Kota Petra Green Technology Park

KUCHING: Zecon Berhad (Zecon) signed the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak Sdn Bhd (CENTEXS) to leverage the strengths of each organisation to maximise mutual benefits in developing Kota Petra Green Technology Park (KPGTP).

In a statement, it said that this significant agreement marked a pivotal step towards the development of KPGTP, a 3,000-acre facility that will feature a 300MW solar farm coupled with a state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

It explained that Zecon will serve as the landowner, while SDEC will facilitate the acceleration of digital technology and telecommunications services at the park, and CENTEXS will provide capacity building through industry-based training and technology testbeds.

“KPGTP is designed to be a cutting-edge hub for green industries, advanced technologies, and sustainable development.

“Strategically located next to the Demak Laut Industrial Park and Senari Port, approximately 7km from Kuching’s city centre, it provides excellent access to regional and global markets – making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their reach in Southeast Asia,” it said.

Adding on, it stated that the Sarawak government has endorsed KPGTP with Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status, similar to tech parks in West Malaysia, Batam, and Singapore, and is projected to generate an estimated investment value of RM12 billion and create 10,000 jobs during the construction phase, including 4,300 direct jobs.

“The direct annual GDP contribution is anticipated to be at least RM1.7 billion, with indirect contributions expected to be even higher as the park’s tenants generate sales of products and services.

“The Park will be powered by a 300MW solar farm integrated with a 600 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, ensuring operations align with global sustainability goals and reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to green energy,” it said.

Following this, it disclosed that six AI-driven Data Centres are planned, positioning Sarawak as a key player in the future data-driven economy while demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible operations.

“Zecon is currently engaging with multiple banks to secure funding for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the 300MW Solar Farm and associated infrastructure developments, which include two bridges across the Santubong and Serai Rivers. The estimated total capital expenditure for this ambitious project could reach RM900 million,” it said.

In addition to this, it also said that Zecon has also entered into two MoUs during the ceremony — one with Huawei Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, aimed at advancing green technology and sustainable solutions, and another with China Energy International Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, focused on pursuing renewable energy projects and green technology development at KPGTP.

For the record, the MoU was signed by Zecon Berhad Group managing director Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad; SDEC chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sudarnoto Osman; and CENTEXS CEO Datuk Syeed Mohd Hussein Wan Abd Rahman while witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Opening Ceremony of International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2024 (IDECS 2024).