It signed a joint-venture with Kuala Lumpur-based Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd (WBG) today for the project planned for Padang Mat Sirat near the airport.

Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the project would span 1,979 acres, of which 90% would be an artificial island off the waters there.

He said once complete, it would have high-end developments such as hotels, offices and business towers, shopping complexes, hospitals and universities.

In a press conference at Wisma Darulaman here today, Sanusi said the project, to be called Widad@Langasuka, will take about 15 to 20 years to complete.

He said WBG has paid commitment fees in the “millions” to the Kedah government and this would be refunded to them once the project is 40% complete.

Sanusi said WBG will comply with legal requirements in order to kick-start the project.

In a press release by WBG, the company said it was a proud Bumiputera company owned by a Kedahan, Ikmal Opat Abdullah.

Ikmal said the project would boost the local economy, provide more jobs and boost Kedah’s status and garner more foreign investment.

Other highlights of the project include the development of a golf course next to the Marina Yacht Club.

WBG said it also plans to host the annual Red Bull Air Race, Power Boat Race and Jet Ski races, among other fireworks festivals to promote Langkawi as a major tourism destination.