JOHOR BARU: Iskandar Malaysia is looking for more theme parks to set up operations in its special economic zone, to add to the soon-to-open Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park and Asia's first Legoland.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said Iskandar Malaysia, en-route to emerge as a major tourist destination, should have a variety of theme parks to offers patrons.

He said Florida, a major tourist city, had a wide array of theme parks to cater to different tourist segments.

"IRDA is always on a lookout to have more theme parks in Iskandar Malaysia and beyond, which can cater to family type entertainment and education," he told reporters after attending a briefing on Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park by its operator, Themed Attractions and Resort (TAR).

The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park in Nusajaya, scheduled for a November opening, will house the first ever animated dining experience called 'Lat's Place', inspired by local cartoonist, Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, or popularly known as Lat. 

It will also be home to the first 'Sanrio Hello Kitty Theme Park' outside Japan, consisting of walk-through attractions and various activities.

The family theme park which cost RM115 million to be develop, will also house 'The Little Big Club' with characters such as "Bob The Builder", "Barney",

"Angelina Ballerina", "Pingu" and "Thomas And Friends."

Asia's first Legoland theme park, also in Nusajaya, is slated to open on September 15.

Earlier in his speech, Ismail said Iskandar Malaysia was poised to realise its huge potential in the travel and tourism sector with the right infrastructure development taking place.

"We believe Iskandar Malaysia will provide the perfect tourist destination for affordable leisure at competitive prices in the South East Asian region and

Asia Pacific," he said, adding that IRDA aimed to realise Iskandar Malaysia as a family fun tourist destination.

Ismail also said Iskandar Malaysia collaborated with the Human Resource Ministry to train 2,000 talents for both Legoland and the Puteri Harbour Family
Indoor Theme Park.

Meanwhile TAR Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, once in operation, was expected to spark various economic spillover effects which would benefit the surrounding local population.

Besides, it would also provide impetus to other players in the hospitality industry, ranging from hotel to restaurants, to set up business within the
vicinity.

Tickets for Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park are available beginning today via www.tar.com.my/puteriharbour.


- Bernama