Bandar Seri Milian: Rural Transformation

Artist’s impression of the Bandar Seri Milian development

29 July 2025

KINABATANGAN: The district of Kinabatangan is poised to make history with the development of a modern township, Bandar Seri Milian, which will serve as a catalyst for rural growth and boost the local economy.

This high-impact project is the result of a strategic partnership between the Kinabatangan District Council and private developer SUNMOW Construction Sdn Bhd, involving a mixed-use development on a 157.48-acre site in Pekan Kota Kinabatangan.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the project is scheduled to take place at 2.00 PM on 15 August 2025 at Dataran Terminal Terbuka, Pekan Kota Kinabatangan, and will be officiated by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.

Community Development Leader for the Lamag constituency, Johainizamshah Johari, stated that the Bandar Seri Milian project will be implemented in three phases over 15 years, with an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM366 million.

Notably, he said, the entire project is fully financed by the developer without imposing any financial burden or collateral requirement on land owned by the local authority.

According to him, key components of the proposed development include modern and affordable housing, basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, a new administrative centre for the Kinabatangan District Council, educational institutions, a community hall and recreational areas, as well as designated zones for business, commercial, and light industrial activities.

Johainizamshah emphasised that the development of Bandar Seri Milian is not merely a physical transformation, but also a symbol of the government’s commitment to bringing comprehensive progress to rural areas.

“Under the leadership of Hajiji, the state government is determined to ensure that the people of Kinabatangan enjoy modern amenities, access to economic opportunities, and an improved quality of life,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the project aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy, which emphasises balanced growth between urban and rural areas, while ensuring inclusive prosperity for the people.

Johainizamshah also expressed confidence in the developer’s proven track record in large-scale projects and its capacity to execute the development smoothly using self-sourced funding.

“This is an investment in our future. Bandar Seri Milian is set to become a new growth hub that will attract investment, create more job opportunities, and stimulate the local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“The project is expected to deliver long-term socio-economic benefits to Kinabatangan, transforming the district into a key development centre on Sabah’s east coast,” he concluded.