04 Jun 2018
Change in government puts Malaysia theme park projects in jeapordy
BY Tom Anstey
Recently announced plans to turn the Malaysian state of Johor into an economic powerhouse to rival Singapore look to have been quickly derailed following a change in government.
Mohamed Khaled Nordin, chair of the Barisan Nasional Johor (Johor BN) coalition, unveiled the party’s promises for the state, in April, promising to develop three major theme parks valued at a total RM7.5bn (US$1.9bn, €1.6bn, £1.35bn).
Just a few weeks later however, the decades-long ruling party was defeated by the Mahathir Mohamad-led Pakatan Harapan coalition, with a new government formed.
The new government has placed a priority on reducing Malaysia's national debt, with the ruling party reportedly shying away from major tourism ventures. Malaysian media have identified the Kota Tinggi eco-entertainment park and Sci-Fi Universe – two of the three previously-announced projects – as those on the chopping block.
“I’d like to introduce and promote very local places and food in Johor instead of all the big theme parks we have now," said Liow Cai Tung, the new tourism chair for the state, who added that it was "premature" to suggest projects would definitely be scrapped.
One development that looks to still be going through, is the under development Desaru Coast – a 3,900-acre (1,578-hectare) coastal resort that aims to attract tourists and business travellers with a range of hotels – including a five-star Westin Resort, a luxury Anantara hotel and villas, a six-star Amanresorts consisting of suites and residences overlooking the South China Sea, and Malaysia’s first Hard Rock Hotel. Desaru's first phase is expected to open next month.
Close Window