Sabah's space project feasibility study to be finalised in July

Daily Express

16-06-2025

Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025
Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025
By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Hanafiah and Ariffin with recipients of the excellence awards at the ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: A feasibility study for a satellite launch site in Sabah is expected to be finalised this coming July. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, said several subsequent implementation phases will be drafted by the ministry once the study report is completed. According to him, among the initiatives to be planned include expenditure aspects, as the space industry is a major global sector.
Advertisement 'After the study, we can outline the next phases. First, we will identify the required expenditure because this is an international-level industry that demands significant funding. 'Therefore, foreign investments are anticipated, including from the United States, Europe, and China. All of this will be finalised at the Federal level (Mosti),' he said. He said this when met at the KSTI Excellence Awards Ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, here. Hanafiah said Sabah stands to benefit from the industry, as the space sector is larger than the oil and gas industry. He explained that this follows the current congestion of satellites due to the lack of facilities worldwide, particularly those in suitable locations for satellite launches. 'The location factor is extremely important in this industry as it affects costs, and according to experts, Sabah has a geographically ideal location for a launch site. 'The market already exists, so we are targeting the construction operations which involve various needs – and these are opportunities our young people should seize,' he said. When asked about Pahang also being shortlisted as a potential launch site alongside Sabah, Hanafiah said Sabah currently has a geographical advantage. However, he said the results of the feasibility study will determine whether the launch site will ultimately be built in Pahang or Sabah. 'Whatever it is, we await the study report (in July), which will be presented to the state government before being brought to the federal level – and only then will a final decision be made. 'But geographically, Sabah clearly has the advantage,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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