Science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang said the PFI model would avoid burdening the government’s finances, Bernama reported.

“It is a PFI, so it won’t burden government coffers. We are still looking into the feasibility studies at the moment.

“So far, we have received feasibility studies from two states, one from Sabah and the other from Pahang. We are still evaluating them and it will take time,” he said.

Previously, the Malaysian Space Agency had said the country was poised to become the first Southeast Asian nation with its own rocket launch pad by 2029.

Bernama reported on Sept 20 that the launch pad would be developed as a public-private partnership, with the costs shared between Putrajaya and private sector investors.

Construction is expected to start in early 2029 after the approvals and groundwork are completed.